Spill move is divisive, Liberal MP says

Liberal MP Andrew Nikolic has branded the move to challenge Prime Minister Tony Abbott as disappointing and divisive.

In an email to backbench colleague Luke Simpkins, who will move a leadership spill motion on Tuesday, Mr Nikolic dismissed the move as the "ill-disciplined and self-interested behaviours that the Australian people explicitly rejected in 2013".

The email was copied to other coalition MPs and senators.

"Your actions are disappointing and divisive," Mr Nikolic said to Mr Simpkins.

"You do not have my support for this."

Mr Nikolic, an Abbott loyalist, said he would be arguing strongly against the spill motion.

Instead he would support what he believed to be the clear majority of colleagues and constituents who preferred stability and unity of purpose.