Peter Costello says he urged John Howard on several occasions to stand down as prime minister, but rejects the suggestion he lacked the guts to challenge for the Liberal leadership.
The former treasurer says he pressed Mr Howard on the issue a number of times, but the former PM always had a reason not to hand over the reins.
Speaking to Channel Nine he put his case very forthrightly, but admits he never had a majority to mount a challenge.
He's vowed to reveal all in his memoirs which is expected to hit book stores today.
Mr Costello told Channel Nine he has dismissed suggestions he should have mounted a 'Paul Keating’ style attack, to seize power.
“I wouldn’t want to be compared in anything with Paul Keating…I think he also illustrates that someone can get consumed with bitterness. He got the job - Keating is a very lucky man.”