In the rush of delegates leaving the partyroom meeting this morning a number of Liberals have expressed confidence in the party's future.

Numerous MPs and Senators told the waiting press throng that today's leadership spill marked a point at which the party must unite to focus on the next election.

Several Liberals also commented that as a united party they had a good chance of defeating Kevin Rudd and Labor at the next election.

High profile MP Andrew Robb said the result marked "a new chapter" for the Liberals.

"We're away and running," Mr Robb said.

However, there is concern at the tight margin of the vote, which Mr Turnbull by 45 to 41.

There is a fear the margin signals a party still divided about its future course and that a more decisive outcome would have been preferable.

High profile party powerbrokers, such as Senators Nick Minchin and Bill Heffernan, did not comment on the result.

However, Federal Nationals Leader, Warren Truss, has congratulated Mr Turnbull, saying he looked forward to working with him to build a strong alternative government team.

"I am sure Mr Turnbull has the energy, determination and skills to be an effective Leader of the Liberal Party," Mr Truss said.

"The Coalition Agreement is between the two parties and I would expect it to continue with the new leadership."

Mr Truss also applauded the service of outgoing leader Brendan Nelson.

"Even when we had policy differences, he has been a pleasure to deal with at all times and I greatly respect his decency, intelligence and capacity for hard work," Mr Truss said.