TONY Abbott's mates have declared he "would rather drive a truck in the Pilbara" than become Australia's High Commissioner in London.
His close band of supporters have scoffed at renewed speculation he could be offered a diplomatic post.
"Tony would rather drive a truck in the Pilbara or work in a mine than be the High Commissioner," a Liberal source said. "It's just never, ever, ever going to happen. He also would never knife Alexander (Downer), who he considers a friend. (Malcolm) Turnbull can only dream of shipping him off."Mr Turnbull has shown little enthusiasm for finding a ministry for Mr Abbott, maintaining it is important to "renew" his frontbench with fresh faces. Some MPs have suggested he be appointed Minister for Indigenous Affairs, with his critics inside the party believing it would restrict Mr Abbott's ability to speak out on issues on the grounds of cabinet solidarity.