The Morrison government is facing fresh internal questions over its ability to fight the next election after sharp criticism by Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Coalition insiders were left stunned by Mr Dutton's move to go into the new year with a fresh attack on Mr Turnbull and draw attention to the internal divisions which have derailed the government's efforts to rebuild after the August leadership challenge.

Comments by Peter Dutton have reignited internal debate about the government's electoral chances. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Dutton, who was defeated by Scott Morrison in the Liberal leadership ballot, used an interview with News Corporation to argue the government would have faced political annihilation if it had stuck with Mr Turnbull.

Saying the Liberal Party had become "unrecognisable" to its supporters, he accused Mr Turnbull of being unable to make a decision.