Rogue Liberal Andrew Hastie has defended his decision to sensationally quit the party's leadership team and ruled out a tilt for the top job.

Announcing his resignation from shadow cabinet on Friday, the former SAS soldier said he wanted the freedom to be more outspoken on immigration policy by sitting on the back bench.

Shadow cabinet is bound by solidarity when it comes to policy and members can't cross the floor to vote against an established position, while backbenchers can.

"We're also going through a period of renewal as a party and I want to be able to speak up on issues I care about," Mr Hastie told reporters in Perth on Saturday.

"In order to uphold the principle of shadow cabinet solidarity, I had to step back.

"On the back bench, I'll continue to advocate for things I belie

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