Angus Taylor has ‘rocks in his head’ if he backs Tony Abbott for federal Liberal presidency, insiders say

There are fears Tony Abbott would cast a shadow over Angus Taylor’s leadership if the former PM was appointed as Liberal Party president. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Angus Taylor has “rocks in his head” if he endorses Tony Abbott’s tilt at the federal Liberal presidency, according to insiders who warn the former prime minister would stir up drama and distraction for the opposition leader and his struggling party.

A contest is shaping up between Abbott and former foreign minister Alexander Downer to replace ex-South Australian premier John Olsen as Liberal Party president when the party’s federal council meets in Melbourne later this month.