Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has signalled her interest in taking on a leadership role in a rebuilding Coalition, as she justified her defection to the Liberals from the Nationals, arguing it will make the Coalition overall stronger.

Price said she was “extremely grateful” for the opportunities the National Party had given her but claimed the Liberals felt more like home.

It is speculated Price is running on a ticket with shadow treasurer Angus Taylor to be his deputy, as the decimated Liberals pick up the pieces after the weekend’s bigger-than-expected election loss.

But she did not confirm that she was running with Taylor.

“This has been a massive step. I will not put any limitations on myself,” she told Sky News.

She said she also wanted to contribute to other policy areas beyond indigenous affairs, her current shadow ministry.

“I am a team player. The Coalition is a team. Ultimately we want to rebuild and be strong for the benefit of the country,” she said.

“I guess this is not a decision I’ve come to lightly at all. It’s been a decision I thought a lot about.

“I’ve always though the Liberal Party is more my natural home given the Liberal Party is the freedom party and the party of responsibility.”