Shorten, Albanese brush aside talk of leadership challenge

Bill Shorten and Anthony Albanese have brushed aside talk of a leadership challenge should Labor loses either or both key by-elections on Saturday.

Mr Albanese was adamant he would not move against Mr Shorten.

The shadow minister was pressed on the issue while campaigning for Longman candidate Susan Lamb in Queensland.

A loss in Longman or in the Tasmanian seat of Braddon would put pressure on Mr Shorten, with speculation he would face a challenge.

"Absolutely," Mr Albanese said, when asked if he could rule out a tilt at the top job.

"What I'm concerned about is one thing and one thing only – being a minister in a Labor government, being able to deliver," he said.

"That's my only priority. My only concern.

"I don't know how many times I can say it."

Pushed again by journalists, Mr Albanese said, "I'll say it really slowly.

"No. There you go. In a word."

Asked if he would be under threat if he lost on Saturday, Mr Shorten also dismissed speculation.

The opposition leader said his team was "loyal and working hard for Labor".