Tomorrow, Liberal MPs are set to vote in what appears to be a significant contest between the moderately positioned deputy leader Sussan Ley and the more conservative shadow treasurer Angus Taylor.

He refrained from endorsing either of the leadership contenders but supported the continuation of the Coalition’s debated nuclear energy agenda, emphasizing efforts to tackle inflation and make housing more affordable.

Nine political editor Charles Croucher had earlier flagged Wilson’s comments as potential manoeuvring to secure a top role in the shadow cabinet.

“Many individuals from various factions of the Liberal Party show interest in seeing him join the frontbench, potentially in an economic capacity, as a shadow treasurer or another significant role,” he mentioned on Today this morning.

“It’s a great honour to lead our great party,” Littleproud said after the vote, arguing the leadership challenge was “healthy for our democracy”.

Nationals Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price last week defected to sit with the Liberals and has since announced she is running as deputy leader under Taylor.