Abbott best person to be PM, Andrews says

Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has thrown his support behind Tony Abbott to remain prime minister.

Mr Andrews told reporters in Canberra his phones had been in meltdown with messages backing Mr Abbott, who he described as a fighter.

"He gives to the Liberal Party, to my marginal seat colleagues and indeed to the people who support the Liberal Party right throughout Australia, the absolute best chance of winning the next election," he said, ahead of a party room ballot against Malcolm Turnbull.

Mr Andrews said colleagues who no longer backed Mr Abbott "should come out and say so".

He wouldn't say whether he wound stand for deputy leader if the position became vacant.

Mr Andrews said he was happy to continue as defence minister.