CANBERRA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- Australian Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has survived an attempt by his critics to bring down his leadership on Wednesday.

    Malcolm Turnbull has been under pressure by critics targeting on lack of leadership. Wednesday's vote ends a potential challenge to his position as leader of Opposition from former Howard government minister Kevin Andrews.

    Party spokesman Alex Somylay said Wednesday after party room meeting the vote was 48 to 35 and it was a secret ballot.

    "That motion was lost 48-35. Malcolm Turnbull leads the Liberal party with a very strong vote of confidence," Somylay told reporters.

    He said Turnbull thanked the party room for the support and called for unity.

    Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey - seen by many as a future leader of the party - said Turnbull had the "overwhelming" support of the party.

    Hockey said Malcolm was very humbled at the end of the vote, but what it does demonstrate is that Malcolm is acting in the party's interest and in the nation's interest.