Ruddock replaced as Chief Government Whip following Liberal spill attempt

Veteran MP Philip Ruddock has been replaced as Chief Government Whip, after this week’s near-run leadership contest.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced Queensland MP Scott Buchholz would take over the role, and thanked the long standing Whip for “four decades of service to the Australian Parliament and Australian people”.

The changes come just days after Mr Abbott narrowly avoided a leadership spill and amid rumours senior ministers singled out Mr Ruddock for failing to gather more support for the PM.

Mr Ruddock is a long-time ally of Mr Abbott but the ABC has reported discontent was raised because he had failed to act as a “backbench sounding board” to stave off a possible revolt.

He was responsible for announcing the result of Monday’s party room result, which saw Mr Abbott hold onto the prime ministership by 61 votes to 39.

Mr Ruddock will now serve as an “important counsellor” to the party, Mr Abbott said.

“I look forward to his future contribution to the government and to our country,” he said in a statement released today.

“He remains an important counsellor for Coalition members of parliament and will continue to serve as Member for Berowra with distinction.”

When contacted by the ABC, Mr Ruddock said "the position of whip is in the gift of the leader, and any advice about that position should come from him [the Prime Minister]".

Andrew Nikolic MP, a former Australian Army brigadier will also take up a Government Whip position, joining Nola Marino.

The chief whip is responsible for ensuring MPs attend relevant votes and vote along the party line.