The former PM joked, "thanks for the promotion".

Mr Abbott was introduced as he arrived at the party by deputy Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who accidentally described him as the former deputy prime minister.

He then added: "I'm sure no one in this room voted against me."

He then broke into an a capella version of his favourite karaoke song, the Elvis classic.

Later in the night, according to some in the room, the same track was selected on the karaoke machine and Mr Abbott had a second go at singing the song with musical backing.

Suspicious Minds featured at the infamous party at Parliament House the night Mr Abbott was rolled as Liberal leader. A marble coffee table was smashed at the gathering and junior minister Jamie Briggs injured his knee trying to tackle Mr Abbott.

The former prime minister was said to be in a good spirits on Tuesday night, laughing and joking after a difficult week.