Sussan Ley issues ultimatum to David Littleproud as she announces temporary shadow ministry

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has settled an acting shadow ministry for the next week, with a threat to the Nationals that it could be made permanent if they do not return to the fold soon.

Ms Ley confirmed in a statement that the acting roles had been settled in a meeting of the Liberal leadership group this morning, as well as an agreement that "the finalisation of longer-term shadow ministerial arrangements is also required".

Ms Ley has told Nationals leader David Littleproud that if the country party does not resolve its issues by next weekend, she will formalise a full shadow ministry without them.

"There is enormous talent in the parliamentary Liberal Party, and my party room is more than capable of permanently fulfilling each and every one of those roles," Ms Ley said in a statement.

While Ms Ley said the acting arrangements were intended to cease before the second sitting week, she warned the Nationals that if their issues were not resolved by February 9, she would appoint a further six MPs to serve in the shadow cabinet and another two in the shadow ministry "on an ongoing basis", filling the slots formerly occupied by the Nationals.

Reunification talks on ice while Littleproud faces leadership threat

The Nationals are reportedly holding out on discussions to progress the reunification of the Coalition until after rogue MP Colin Boyce's challenge for the leadership is resolved.

With no serious suggestion that it could succeed, some Liberals say it is "bizarre" not to at least begin laying the groundwork to resolve differences between the Liberals and Nationals.

While Mr Littleproud's leadership appears safe, one Liberal said they expected "next week will be a pretty bad week for the National Party", who will be returning to parliament on the crossbenches.

Ms Ley said she understood and respected Mr Littleproud's decision to wait until the party had resolved Monday's prospective spill before resuming talks.

Shadow ministers carry heavy loads as acting roles doled out

The acting arrangements have led to some unusual outcomes, including the fact that one shadow minister, Ted O'Brien, will also serve as his own shadow assistant.

Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash will also temporarily take on trade; Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston will take on agriculture; and Shadow Energy Minister Dan Tehan will take on resources.

James McGrath will take on infrastructure, Angus Taylor will adopt veterans affairs, and Angie Bell will add water to her environment portfolio.

But in recognition that the party still hopes to reunite with the Nationals, Ms Ley's reshuffle does not bring any new MPs into the shadow ministry or shadow cabinet — avoiding the need for any demotions if the parties do reunite.

With the Reserve Bank expected to lift interest rates on Tuesday, intensifying pressure on the government to address inflation and cost-of-living concerns, the Liberals hope the appointments will help shift the focus back to the government.

However, with leadership rivals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie meeting yesterday morning, the air remains thick with speculation of a leadership challenge in the near future.

Mr Taylor and Mr Hastie did not resolve on Thursday who might lead a challenge against Ms Ley, or when that might come.

While that dims the likelihood of the Liberals spilling on the formal return of parliament next week, Liberals say the circumstances could change quickly — and as long as the pair are not ruling out a challenge, internal leadership debates will continue to rob the party of chances to put the pressure back onto the federal government.