Andrew Hastie's tactical retreat to the backbench has sparked talk about his leadership ambitions. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS

Rogue federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie did the right thing by stepping down from the opposition frontbench, a senior colleague says, as the coalition takes another battering in a key opinion poll.

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The West Australian quit shadow cabinet on Friday saying he wanted to be able to speak more freely about immigration issues, given rules on cabinet solidarity.

Liberal senator James Paterson said Mr Hastie's departure from the shadow cabinet was unfortunate but u

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