There is a general awareness that should Mr Turnbull fall over the line, his authority would not be as absolute as he may wish, be it on policy or party positions. More so because the majority of Coalition seats at risk of being lost are held by MPs who support Mr Turnbull.

Under such circumstances, the conservatives believe they will be entitled to a greater say, and that is where the persistent scuttlebutt about Mr Dutton fits in.

One hardened conservative said he supported the idea but could not it see it happening, because removing Ms Bishop would amount to a move on Mr Turnbull's authority and would destabilise the government.

Another said it would be unlikely if only because Ms Bishop is so popular with the backbench, many of whom may owe their jobs to her beyond July 2.

"She's visited more than 50 seats in the campaign," he said. "I just can't see it happening."

One source said the situation was different to that just before the 2010 election, when Andrew Robb was trailing his coat to move on Ms Bishop after the election.

Calls were being made then, but "there's no calls going on now".

When The Australian Financial Review revealed last week that Mr Abbott would accept the defence ministry if offered, Mr Dutton said it had merit.

"I think some people will push for that and I think it is an issue for Malcolm Turnbull, as it is for all of us that are ministers or want to be ministers in a Turnbull government, Mr Dutton said.

Mr Dutton played a straighter bat on Thursday after Mr Abbott indicated to Sky News the night before that he was open to offers down the track.

"All sorts of things might happen in the future, but right now you've got to be content with serving your electorate and with serving the country as a member for whatever seat or a senator for whatever state it might be," Mr Abbott said.