Labor has fuelled speculation it is more concerned with ensuring Tony Abbott remains Liberal leader than winning the Canning byelection, mounting what has been reported to federal cabinet as a low profile campaign in the West Australian seat.

Cabinet ministers discussed the byelection when they met on Tuesday, with deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop telling her colleagues the local campaign being run by Labor was less intense than expected.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten pictured with the ALP's candidate for Canning Matt Keogh during a visit to the electorate last month. Credit:Philip Gostelow

It has raised questions on whether the ALP would rather see Mr Abbott remain leader than win Canning in an upset. The byelection was called for September 19 after the death of Liberal MP, Don Randall. Liberals acknowledge losing the seat could end Mr Abbott's leadership.

Labor strategists concede the government's unpopularity, and that of the Prime Minister in particular, provide the opposition's best hopes for victory in 2016. Thus, they fear a shock byelection loss for the government would shatter the party room resolve and could see Mr Abbott replaced by the more centrist and popular Malcolm Turnbull.