Toppling the first woman to lead the Liberal Party would be a "terrible look" for female voters, as Sussan Ley's leadership faces renewed pressure over climate policy.

Ms Ley has been forced to talk down speculation she could face a challenge to her fledgling leadership after two of her main rivals Liberals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, were seen having dinner together in Canberra.

The pair have both voiced their support for dumping the coalition's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Infighting over the key climate target has heightened following the decision by the Nationals to scrap the policy.

Monash University politics lecturer Blair Williams said it would be a "terrible look" for the Liberal Party's first female leader to be dumped by a bunch of men.

"Women are watching,"

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