A rift has emerged within the Liberal Party over calls for Australia’s Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd to be sacked.

Mr Rudd was told by US President Donald Trump that he didn’t like him and never would in an awkward exchange at the White House.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley initially described Mr Rudd’s position as “untenable”, saying he should be “sent packing”.

However, Ms Ley has since walked away from those comments, refusing to repeat them on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Liberal Senator Jane Hume told Sky News it was “churlish” to demand Mr Rudd be sacked, given his performance in the diplomatic post.

Ms Hume was demoted to the backbench by Ms Ley after serving as shadow finance minister under former opposition leader Peter Dutton.

She said the Albanese government’s Washin

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