Challenger pulls trigger on Liberal leadership showdown

Party conventions require anyone who wants to challenge their leader to step down from their portfolio.

The move allows Mr Taylor to openly canvass for votes ahead of a leadership ballot.

Mr Taylor has requested a special party room meeting, allowing all members and senators to vote on the leadership - but some of Ms Ley's supporters have suggested a petition signed by a majority of Liberals must be produced for the meeting to be held.

Ms Ley is understood to not be wedded to that requirement.

Mr Taylor's supporters claim he has the numbers to defeat Ms Ley in a vote, but the final result is anticipated to be tight.