Southcott an excellent bloke: PM

Prime Minister Tony Abbott believes Andrew Southcott is a top bloke but has stopped short of saying the South Australian MP would be an excellent choice for Speaker.

Mr Abbott confirmed he had a conversation with Mr Southcott in Adelaide overnight as Liberal MPs jockey for the vacant post.

The prime minister told ABC Radio on Tuesday he was avoiding making another captain's pick, saying replacing his post-2013 election choice Bronwyn Bishop was a matter for the Liberal party room.