Liberals deputy leader Mitch Williams says speculation about a challenge to Isobel Redmond is unfounded
Mr Williams was responding to renewed speculation about a possible leadership spill, following a report in The Australian newspaper that said a plan to replace her was being formulated in case her popularity dwindles.
The report says former leader Martin Hamilton-Smith could make a tilt with the support of new frontbencher Steven Marshall.
Mr Williams says it's a beat-up.
'I am absolutely certain it has come from the Labor party,' he said.
The deputy leader said it was his job to keep his ear to the ground for grumbles in the party and he knew members were solidly behind Ms Redmond.
He said he would 'bet his house' on Ms Redmond leading the party into the next election.
The opposition frontbench is meeting in Mount Gambier in the state's southeast for a strategy conference before parliament resumes next Tuesday.
Ms Redmond's performance in political polls has dwindled since Premier Jay Weatherill took over from the unpopular Mike Rann last year.
Speculation about her hold on the leadership regularly surfaces to dog Ms Redmond, who reshuffled her shadow cabinet in December to give it a bit more 'vigour'.
When she appointed Mr Marshall to her frontbench with the defence, trade and climate change portfolios, Ms Redmond denied that the sometimes combative MP represented a leadership challenge to her.
