Bishop plays down Taylor possible shift

Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop is playing down the prospect of losing Liberal Angus Taylor to the Nationals.

Supporters of Mr Taylor are warning he could defect to the regional party to protect his seat of Hume if he lost preselection to Liberal Russell Matheson, The Australian reports.

Ms Bishop told Sky News on Friday she had not spoken to Mr Taylor about such a move, and she was confident that both parties would work together to get the best candidates in seats for the federal election.

Mr Taylor, in a statement shortly after, confirmed he would nominate for Liberal preselection for Hume.

"It would be an honour to again have the opportunity to represent the people of Hume which I have done so since first being elected in September 2013," he said on Friday.