Australia's next prime minister will have a challenge on their hands if they want to win the next election.

Malcolm Turnbull has given Peter Dutton until 2pm New Zealand time to get enough signatures to force a leadership vote.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Treasurer Scott Morrison have also signalled they're in the mix.

2GB host Alan Jones told Mike Hosking whoever wins the vote may be doomed to lose the election against Labor leader Bill Shorten.

"Shorten is a formidable opponent, and he doesn't make mistakes, so whoever's there, they've got a fight on their hands."

Turnbull is expected to leave politics altogether if he's pushed aside as prime minister.

LISTEN TO ALAN JONES TALK WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE