Laurie Oakes says Malcolm Turnbull has the numbers to win leadership vote

Malcolm Turnbull has the numbers to win tonight's leadership challenge against Tony Abbott, according to 9News Political Editor Laurie Oakes.

Mr Oakes said he believed if Mr Turnbull became prime minister he would not push his views on climate change and this would gain support from right-wing members of the Liberal party.

"Some of those right-wingers as I understand it have said that they are prepared to serve with Mr Turnbull," he said.

"If that's the case then he should have the numbers."

The Abbott camp, Mr Oakes said, claimed their phones were ringing off the hook, with Liberal supporters "aghast" that Mr Turnbull would make a move.

Mr Abbott's team told Oakes Mr Turnbull is expected to make a "strong showing" and the vote will be close.

Mr Oakes also said the absence of comment from Julie Bishop this afternoon could be ominous for Mr Abbott.

"It may mean that Julie Bishop is reserving her right to run for the leadership if she wants to," he said.

The Foreign Minister is rumoured to have met with Mr Abbott before question time today and asked for a leadership ballot.