TONY Abbott is reportedly upset with his political mentor John Howard after the former prime minister failed to support him following the leadership challenge.

The two former Liberal leaders met up for an awkward meal two Fridays ago, according to the Australian Financial Review, and “Abbott gave his elder and mentor both barrels for his public performance the day after the ballot”.

Howard fronted media shortly after the ballot on September 14 in which Abbott lost the leadership to Malcolm Turnbull, and said he had spoken to both men and was ready to help the new prime minister.

When asked whether the Liberal party had made the right decision, Mr Howard said “Ultimately the Australian people will decide that”. But he did note that the decision was made with a fairly clear margin.

He also said it was wrong to blame the media for Mr Abbott’s demise and it was poor polling that saw him removed.

His comments were in contrast to the speech Mr Abbott delivered shortly beforehand, in which he blamed a “febrile media culture” which rewarded treachery.

However, Mr Howard’s stance did not seem to have come out of blue, with the former prime minister seeming to give pointed advice to Mr Abbott as far back as March during a speech to the Liberal party room.

Guests were left buzzing after Mr Howard told them leaders always had to listen to what was said in the party room and praised the “very selfless” Alexander Downer, who stepped aside after eight troubled months as Opposition Leader to give Mr Howard the job.