Julie Bishop lied about Turnbull coup meeting: Abbott

Tony Abbott has branded Foreign Minister Julie Bishop a liar after recent claims she had warned him Malcolm Turnbull was planning a leadership coup months before the former PM was ousted.

Ms Bishop told the Today Show this morning she had informed Mr Abbott of a conversation in February where Mr Turnbull offered Scott Morrison the treasurer's post, once Mr Abbott had been removed.

Ms Bishop was reportedly present – but silent – during the meeting.

However Mr Abbott gave Fairfax Media a four-point repudiation of claims made by Ms Bishop, who served as Liberal Deputy for the two years Mr Abbott was prime minister.

"The claim that Julie Bishop made on Channel Nine that she told me about the conversation between Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison that she witnessed is false," Mr Abbott said.

Mr Abbott took issue with Ms Bishop's claim she was unaware of any "white anting" in the months leading up to the September leadership spill.

"Julie Bishop's claim that the cabinet was solidly behind me was rendered ridiculous by the leaking that so obviously took place," Mr Abbott said.

Mr Abbott rejected claims that the coup was entirely down to his failure as leader, pointing out that Turnbull Government "had not changed any of its key policies".

He also dismissed the idea the leadership spill could have been avoided if he had heeded advice about removing his Chief of Staff Peta Credlin and former Treasurer Joe Hockey.