Ruddock dumped as chief whip

Long-serving Liberal MP and former Howard government minister Philip Ruddock has been dumped as the government's chief whip.

Mr Ruddock will be replaced by his deputy, Queensland MP Scott Buchholz.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott gave no explanation for the change but praised Mr Ruddock's long contribution.

However, that's been interpreted as fallout from Monday's party room meeting when Mr Abbott faced a motion to open up the leadership, surviving by 61 votes to 39.

That was around twice as many MPs in favour of the spill as many of Mr Abbott's supporters had anticipated.

Mr Abbott described this as a "near death experience".

The whip, as the party's enforcer of internal discipline, had apparently failed to see coming.

Mr Abbott said Mr Buchholz was a strong local member and highly regarded within the party room.

West Australian Nola Marino will continue as a government whip.

New Tasmania MP Andrew Nikolic, vocal in his support of the prime minister in the lead-up to the party room vote, has been rewarded. He becomes another government whip.

Mr Abbott said Mr Nikolic had made an outstanding start as a member of parliament.

"He has a distinguished military career and will take on this new role with enthusiasm," he said.

Mr Abbott paid tribute to Mr Ruddock for his extraordinary contribution to Australia, the government and the Liberal Party.

Mr Ruddock was elected in 1973 and is now the father of the house, the longest serving MP. Later this year, he becomes the second longest serving parliamentarian in Australian political history.

He was a senior minister throughout the Howard government and shadow cabinet secretary in opposition.

"I look forward to his future contribution to the government and to our country," Mr Abbott said.

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