Tony Abbott is still Australia's Prime Minister.

The results are in: Tony Abbott will remain Prime Minister.

Liberal Party MPs and senators this morning voted against a leadership spill motion, after Western Australia MP Luke Simpkins confirmed on Friday he would move the motion.

In a 9am party room meeting at Parliament house, the MPs and senators were handed ballot papers, on which they marked “yes” or “no” to determine Mr Abbott’s political fate. They ultimately voted 61 to 39 against the motion to spill the leadership, meaning Tony Abbott will remain Prime Minister.

Related content: It’s on: Liberals call for a spill of leadership positions.

“Well, ladies and gentlemen, the Liberal Party has met. We have had a ballot. It was properly conducted,” Chief Whip Phillip Ruddock announced immediately following the ballot.

“The result is very clear. Nos 61. Yes 39. There was one informal. One member away on paternity leave. That seems to me to resolve the matter.”

The motion was originally anticipated to take place on Tuesday, but Mr Abbott surprised the party by moving forward a scheduled party room meeting to 9am Monday.

ABC News reports that Mr Abbott, who arrived at the meeting this morning flanked by supporters, was confident the spill motion wouldn’t succeed.

He met overnight with many key Liberals to firm up his position, with all seven Tasmanian Liberals saying they would support him.

Related Content: Tony Abbott’s disapproval rating at 68 per cent.

Tony Abbott gave a short televised statement following the ballot, emphasising his determination that the Liberal party remain stable in its governance.

“We want to end the disunity and the uncertainty which destroyed two Labor governments, and give you the good government that you deserve,” Mr Abbott said in the statement.

“We think that when you elect a government and a Prime Minister you deserve to keep that government and that Prime Minister until you have a chance to change your mind,” he said.

“The focus now is once more on jobs, families, a stronger economy and a secure nation. We do face many challenges. At heart we are a highly secure country, justly proud of what we have achieved.’

“In essence we are a strong economy and with so much creativity and dynamism, and the challenge for government is to work with you and not against you.

“I love this country and I will do my best to help my country to succeed.”

Related content: What crazy business is going down in politics this week?

Communications Minister  Malcolm Turnbull left the meeting room in conversation with Phillip Ruddock after the meeting, and did not speak to the media.

While he had not declared he would stand against Mr Abbott, it’s believed Mr Turnbull would have been the principal contender had the spill motion succeeded.

Phillip Ruddock announces the results of the ballot: