Australian opposition leader Tony Abbott addresses a news conference in central Sydney in this August 22, 2010 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

SYDNEY - A member of Australia's ruling Liberal Party has told colleagues he will propose that government lawmakers hold a vote on the future of Prime Minister Tony Abbott's leadership, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) reported on Friday.

The ABC said it had been told the lawmaker called Abbott shortly before sending an email to announce his plan.

The proposal to call a leadership vote comes after weeks of speculation Abbott could be pushed aside over criticism of a range of policy decisions, ranging from his handling of the economy to awarding an Australian knighthood to Queen Elizabeth's husband Prince Philip.