Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott was overheard at a political Christmas event saying he was keen to remain in politics.

Fairfax Media was told by supporters attending pre-Christmas drinks at Mr Abbott’s local Forestville branch, that he and wife Margie also attended the meeting and appeared sprightly.

An Abbott supporter who was also at the function said Mr Abbott “certainly gave the indication that he thought he wanted to continue to make a contribution to Australia and the best way of doing it was as an MP”.

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“He also said he had to speak to Margie, and Margie then joked that they hadn’t had the conversation yet.

“The clear impression given was that he should stand and would stand. And the views reflected by his local constituency is we all support, very strongly support, his standing again as Member for Warringah.

“That’s not to say people want him back as PM necessarily but he represents an important cohort in the Liberal Party.”

Meanwhile, this week Liberal sources reportedly said Mr Abbott was keen to seek out the Prime Minister role again.

Unnamed Liberal sources told The Daily Telegraph that ­former chief-of-staff Peta Credlin had been pushing him to so.

But, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten dubbed Mr Abbott the “Terminator” following reports he intended to contest the next election.

“I don’t know about you, but like many Australians (I) share the relief that Tony Abbott’s gone although I notice today that a bit like the Terminator, he’s vowing to have Tony Abbott 2.0, he will be back,” Mr Shorten told ABC radio in Cairns on Wednesday.