Coalition MPs are being instructed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's office to tell the media that Liberal turncoat Ian Macfarlane "was disappointed not to be reappointed to the cabinet", according to government talking points leaked to Fairfax Media.

And while that may well be true – Mr Macfarlane's plan to defect to the National Party shocked and infuriated Liberal colleagues when unveiled last week, with fallout continuing – the message contradicts the Prime Minister's statement when he announced his reshuffled cabinet on September 20.

At the time, Mr Turnbull said that "Ian Macfarlane is one of my very, very best friends in this place. As indeed is senator the Honourable Michael Ronaldson who departs the outer Ministry".

"Each of them were ready to continue to serve in their current positions which they were fulfilling with great distinction and competence. But each of them understood the need to renew, and they gave me their leader and their friend, the opportunity for them to stand aside so that I could bring new talent into the ministry."