Liberal Party deputy leader Sussan Ley not challenging Peter Dutton

The party's deputy leader didn't wish to comment when contacted by ACM on April 2, but has given no indication that she should replace Peter Dutton as opposition leader after the loss of the Melbourne seat for the first time in more than a century.

Speaking on ABC program Insiders on April 2, Mr Dutton said he accepted responsibility for the party's loss in the Aston by-election on Saturday, won by Labor's Mary Doyle.

"I can tell you it makes me more determined to rebuild this party and be in a winning position by 2025," he said.

"Obviously, the difficulties for us in Victoria haven't germinated in Aston over the course of the last five weeks.

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"Even back to 2013, with all of my predecessors, Victoria is the one state that we have never held a majority of seats in and there are huge issues at a state level as well.

"Parties always tear themselves apart in opposition. We haven't gone through that period of self-destruction."

Federal National leader David Littleproud told AAP Mr Dutton was still the best person to take charge of the Liberal Party.

He also blamed the by-election loss on Liberal party infighting in Victoria.

Liberal Senator Jane Hume also backed Mr Dutton as leader.

"I cannot imagine there would be any mood in the party room for (a change of leader)," she said.

Ms Ley was appointed Liberal Party deputy leader in May last 2022 and said Farrer would remain her focus.

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