Peter Costello's forthcoming political memoirs will lay bare the deep-seated tensions between the former treasurer and John Howard, launching an assault on the former prime minister's legacy.
The 400-page book, which will be officially launched next week, will claim the coalition could have won last year's federal election if Mr Costello was installed as leader, News Limited reported today.
The change would have had the effect of "neutering" Kevin Rudd's youthful image, Mr Costello wrote in the book, according to News Ltd, which said it had obtained key details of the memoirs.
In the book, Mr Costello criticised the Howard government's handling of reconciliation, the republic and the rise of Hansonism, News Limited said.
He also claimed he was misled several times over a leadership handover, after getting a "wink and a nod" that Mr Howard would stand aside on five or six occasions.
But the memoirs did not answer the question of whether Mr Costello will contest the next election as Liberal leader, News Ltd said.
The former treasurer will be under intense pressure to end speculation about his future when he launches the book at the National Press Club in Canberra next Tuesday.
