Federal opposition leader Brendan Nelson today maintained their public support for beleaguered WA opposition leader Troy Buswell, amid speculation he could soon be replaced.
Mr Buswell has been under intense pressure after admitting to sniffing the chair of a woman Liberal staffer in the opposition leader's Parliament House office in October 2005.
The staffer said Mr Buswell, then deputy to former Liberals leader Matt Birney, lifted the chair and sniffed it in front of her and other people "to get a laugh".
Speculation he may be replaced emerged after Mr Birney today refused to rule out a comeback, and said he had been asked to stand again as party leader.
Mr Buswell today also attended a meeting at Parliament House with party president Barry Court, along with deputy leader Kim Hames and legal affairs spokesman Christian Porter.
But Mr Court and Mr Buswell later said they had attended a business meeting with airline officials and that there were no "crisis talks" on the leadership.
Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson also threw his support behind Mr Buswell, as the West Australian Liberals continued to prepare for an election that could be called within months.
Mr Buswell said there had been no leadership discussions between himself and Mr Court, or any other MPs.
"I haven't met with anyone in relation to a crisis," Mr Buswell told reporters as he left parliament.
He said he had received very strong feedback from parliamentary colleagues since admitting what he had done.
"In fact exceptionally strong feedback and support," he said.
Mr Court repeated his support for Mr Buswell, saying "they (the public) love him".
"He's doing a very good job," Mr Court added.
Deputy Liberal leader Kim Hames said Mr Buswell had his support, but declined to comment further.
Dr Nelson said the leadership speculation should end.
"He has said everything that needs to be said about it and it's obvious to anybody that has seen Troy Buswell that he's extremely remorseful about it and he's changed his behaviour," Dr Nelson told reporters in Sydney.
"Mr Buswell enjoys my confidence and my support."