Labor veterans defend King's performance

Labor veterans have stepped up to defend opposition health spokeswoman Catherine King amid reports she could be moved aside.

There's speculation Ms King could be replaced by someone with a higher profile in the coveted health portfolio and moved on to another frontbench position, as Labor seeks to build upon the success of its Medicare-focused election campaign.

Reports on Wednesday suggest there's a push for deputy leader Tanya Plibersek to take back the role instead of overseeing foreign affairs.

According to Fairfax, some colleagues were "livid" about Ms King's performance during the election campaign.

But former Labor MP Anna Burke insists Ms King did a fantastic job.

While Ms Plibersek should get the portfolio of her choosing, it would be difficult to juggle health with other responsibilities, she said.

"I'm not sure why there would be any angst with Catherine's performance," Ms Burke told ABC TV.

"I thought she performed brilliantly through parliament and in the election."

Another retired Labor veteran Laurie Ferguson took to Twitter to defend Ms King, describing her as a major frontbench asset.

"Highly probable that the anonymous sources claiming failings in Catherine King are guided by base motives."

For his part, Stephen Conroy is happy to remain in the defence portfolio, but admits it's not up to him.

"Ultimately these issues are decided by the leader and I would happily serve in any position that he asks me to," he told ABC radio.