Senator Jacinta Price has been branded a political opportunist for defecting to the Liberal Party by a senior Nationals politician .

Price, the Coalition’s shadow minister for Indigenous Australians, caused a political stir yesterday by revealing her decision to join the Liberal Party just as it gets ready to choose a new leader.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan said on social media her defection was motivated by personal ambition.

Price is anticipated to run as a deputy to the Liberal leadership contender Angus Taylor, who mentioned to the Australian Financial Review that she would be a valuable addition to the party.

“I strongly welcome a strong, capable woman in Jacinta,” Taylor, the Coalition’s treasury spokesperson, said.

“We want as many people in the Liberal Party room as possible.”

Liberal deputy leader Sussan Ley today confirmed she was standing for the leader’s job.

The party’s MPs will vote next Tuesday on a replacement for Peter Dutton who lost his Brisbane seat of Dickson in last Saturday’s election.

Today, Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan announced that he would not be pursuing the leadership position, putting an end to days of speculation about his potential candidacy.