“I’ve spoken to my colleagues and Liberal Party rebuilds from here and that’s as it should be. I wish them all the very best,” he told reporters at Canberra airport.

Acting Opposition leader Sussan Ley is one of few contenders for the party’s leadership. Source: AAP

Dutton said the decision around who would become his successor also lay with his former colleagues.

Although no one has officially declared their candidacy, there is speculation that candidates include Opposition Treasury spokesperson Angus Taylor and immigration spokesperson Dan Tehan.

Canavan proposes Nationals ‘break-up’ with Liberals

It has prompted several senior National members to advocate for an increased role within the Coalition, with Senator Matt Canavan going as far as suggesting the party break up with the Liberals.

“I do think with the way the Liberal Party is being pulled and pushed in different directions, there’s an opportunity for the country, for our Coalition, for the National Party to run in more seats.”

Liberal Tim Wilson claims victory amid other tight contests

Wilson declared he had won at a press conference on Wednesday morning after postal votes resulted in him surpassing Daniel, who has not conceded.

Liberal candidate Tim Wilson has claimed victory in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

“We had to defy political gravity to get here,” Wilson told reporters.

This includes a bid to retain Longman in Queensland and the seats of Flinders and Monash in Victoria.