A Liberal MP has thrown his support behind conservative agitator Andrew Hastie to lead the party ahead of a possible spill. Liberal senator Ben Small believes Andrew Hastie is the right person to lead the party. (Michael Currie/AAP PHOTOS)They are hopeful of striking a deal which would allow Mr Hastie to take the leadership, while potentially allowing Mr Taylor to take a portfolio of his choice. Despite attending the Melbourne meeting with the two leadership contenders, Liberal frontbencher James Paterson said Ms Ley had backing in the party. "I find it astonishing that there are meetings taking place about the leadership of the Liberal Party on a day such as today," he said.