The Daily Telegraph reported today it had been told by Liberal sources Abbott’s former chief of staff Peta Credlin was urging him to have another crack.

One Liberal speculated Abbott had hopes of regaining the leadership, or perhaps a key ministry such as defence.

“It’s very hard to find a (private sector) job for a former PM so young,” one told the paper.

But a spokesman for Abbott described the report as “fanciful”.

Earlier, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten seized on the report dubbing Abbott “Terminator”.

“I don’t know about you, but like many Australians (I) share the relief that Tony Abbott’s gone although I notice today that a bit like the Terminator, he’s vowing to have Tony Abbott 2.0, he will be back,” he told ABC radio in Cairns.

Liberal frontbencher Josh Frydenberg says Abbott has not confided in him about his political future.

“No doubt he would have discussed those issues over the break and we’ll hear more from him shortly I assume,” he told Sky News.

Asked whether there was any chance of the former prime minister returning to the top job, Frydenberg said: “I don’t think that’s going to happen.

“I think the prime minister has made it very clear that Tony Abbott is not coming back to the cabinet any time soon.”

Independent senator Jacqui Lambie thinks Abbott needs to let Malcolm Turnbull do his job.

Abbott and former Speaker Bronwyn Bishop should retire from federal politics, she said.

“This country needs stability and business confidence,” Lambie told 2GB Radio.

Bishop is expected to recontest her northern Sydney beaches seat despite calls for the 73-year-old to call it quits.

– AAP