Liberal leadership vote on Monday night

Tony Abbott will contest a Liberal leadership challenge from Malcolm Turnbull in a vote to be held on Monday night.

"The prime ministership of this country is not a prize or a plaything to be demanded," Mr Abbott told reporters at Parliament House on Monday evening, two hours after Mr Turnbull advised him of the challenge and his decision to quit cabinet.

Mr Abbott said he expects to win the ballot to be held in a special Liberal party room later on Monday night.

"I am dismayed by the destabilisation that's been taking place now for many, many months and I do say to my fellow Liberals that the destabilisation just has to stop," he said.

"I firmly believe that our party is better than this, that our government is better than this and, by God, that our country is so much better than this."

Mr Abbott said since coming to government, his team has stopped the boats, improved the budget, cut taxes and increased jobs.

"We have laid the foundation for a better deal for families and for small business," he said.

"You can trust me to deliver a stronger economy and a safer community."