A former deputy prime minister is urging his coalition colleagues to give Sussan Ley a fair go with speculation her days as federal opposition leader may be numbered.

Ms Ley has batted away suggestions she should be worried for her job after two of her leadership rivals, who are pushing for net-zero policies to be dumped, were seen dining together.

Former Nationals leader Michael McCormack said Ms Ley hadn't been given clear air since taking on the top job after the coalition's disastrous election defeat.

"She hasn't had any clear air in the five or six months she's been leader," he told Sky News.

"She's the first female leader of the Liberal party in 81 years and the first female opposition leader ever.

"She needs to be given clear air, given a chance."

Internal division over the co

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