The Liberal Party faces weeks of rebuilding after the infighting which has resulted in the toppling of Malcolm Turnbull and elevation of Scott Morrison as prime minister.
Mr Morrison and his new deputy and treasurer Josh Frydenberg were adamant they remained loyal to Mr Turnbull through the tumultuous week, while colleagues campaigned for failed leadership contender Peter Dutton.
Mr Turnbull blamed Mr Dutton, former leader Tony Abbott and other Liberal "insurgents" for the destabilisation of the party.
It was especially galling as the coalition was narrowing the gap with Labor in internal polling until the navel gazing began.
Mr Morrison may be in for an early electoral test with Mr Turnbull's retirement expected to trigger a by-election in the Sydney seat of Wentworth.
However he said he relished the chance to campaign on his new theme of being "on your side", referring to voters disgruntled over the recent political circus.
He told reporters not to expect a general election until it is due in the first half of 2019.
Mr Dutton is expected to be offered a frontbench position, having vacated the home affairs portfolio to make his run against Mr Turnbull.
Mr Morrison said he would head a "new generation of Liberal leadership".
