1. Prime Minister Tony Abbott is under attack from within his own party. One of the big factors is that his popularity has plummeted in recent polling.
2. The federal Liberal Party is looking for a new leader because many believe it's Tony Abbott to blame, not their aggressive budget and unpopular policies.
3. But the party is acutely aware of the six years of leadership turmoil that brought down the former Labor Government.
4. Another thing stirring up the party is their terrible recent election defeats in Victoria and Queensland. Especially Queensland where local MPs are furious at Tony Abbott for his string of mistakes leading up to last weekend.
5. Other MPs have lashed out by briefing the media against Mr Abbott's Chief of Staff Peta Credlin. They think she has too much central control over his office.
6. So here we are... Prime Minister Abbott forced to constantly assure the public that everything is fine and he'll lead the party till the next election.
7. Mr Abbott's closest allies like Treasurer Joe Hockey and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton refuse to speak about the issues.
8. Even when rogue backbenchers like Dennis Jensen, Mal Brough and Warren Entsch have all called for a leadership change in the last few days. They are a bit crazy.
9. The major power players who want Mr Abbott dislodged are trying their hardest to stay quiet.
10. One of the favourites to take over is Malcolm Turnbull who is beloved by Australian progressives but hated within the right wing of his party. There are rumors he's been calling colleagues asking for support.
11. There are others who think Turnbull will be a terrible choice! Even though he's proved himself in business, last time he was the leader he was destroyed by a series of own goals.
12. Then there is Julie Bishop who has emerged due to her effectiveness as foreign minister. She's served as deputy to three other Liberal leaders and it might be her time to take over.
13. But don't count out Social Services Minister Scott Morrison whose policy "effectiveness" and cunning make him a viable third candidate.
14. So... journalists have declared that a leadership challenge is likely "on" and MPs have started leaking to the media.
15. And it's predicted that some time next week a "suicide bomber", like unpopular MP Mal Brough, will bring on a challenge in the partyroom.
16. That will give Ms Bishop, Mr Turnbull and Mr Morrison a chance to potentially put up their hands and lay a blow on the prime minister.
17. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard must be sitting at home and basking in the karma.
