Liberal Party powerbrokers warn Tony Abbott could face a preselection challenge for his seat of Warringah ahead of next year's federal election, especially if he continues to destabilise the Turnbull government.

With the majority of Mr Abbott's colleagues again dismayed at his latest outburst on Monday this week in which he openly criticised policy direction, party operatives said it was more than likely that Mr Abbott would be challenged for the safe northern beaches seat he has held since 1994.