Abbott and supporters arrive for spill

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has arrived at the Liberal party room surrounded by his frontbench supporters.

Mr Abbott walked into the room shortly before the 9am meeting to consider a leadership spill motion.

Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop was next to him. Behind were ministerial colleagues including Mathias Cormann, Christopher Pyne, George Brandis, Josh Frydenberg and Joe Hockey.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull - considered most likely to challenge Mr Abbott if the spill motion succeeds - arrived earlier on his own.

The party room meeting is now underway.