Recently appointed Liberal president Tony Abbott is reportedly personally phoning members to stop them from leaving the party amid an exodus to One Nation.

In a recent resignation, think tank education director Colleen Harkin quit one week after attending a One Nation fundraiser.

In her resignation letter revealed by the ABC, Harkin said the Liberal party was in an “insipid state” and had changed too much.

Harkin said she had been concerned about the party’s direction for years.

“I have spent decades of my life supporting the Liberal Party. I have volunteered, donated, fundraised, campaigned and defended the Party because I believed it stood for something worth defending,” she wrote.

“For years I have been concerned at its direction, but hung on by a fine thread, trying to help restore and preserve core principles.

“However, I no longer believe the party is committed to the same values that inspired my loyalty.

“I have not changed. The Party has.”

Pauline Hanson’s party is now the most popular in Australia, leading both Labor and the coalition on primary votes, according to multiple opinion polls.

Asked about Abbott’s bid to quell members’ concerns, Taylor said on Sunday he understood their sense of frustration.

“They want a better Liberal Party and, particularly in NSW, we have seen a number of members of the party frustrated at the lack of democracy in the party,” he told Sky News on Sunday.

“I’ve been fighting to change that for many, many years, and I will continue to, and I want those people to stay.

“Tony, as president, is doing a great job at getting out and energising the membership, retaining those who are frustrated.”

Taylor, who successfully ousted Sussan Ley as Liberal leader in February, said the party had a “credible plan” and would focus on bringing new people in.

The Coalition has already lost members of its ranks to One Nation, including former South Australian Liberal senator Hollie Hughes and one-time Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce.

One Nation has also reported a growing membership base and claims its “fire the liar” fundraiser, aimed at removing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has brought in more than $4.75 million in donations from some 76,000 people.

The fundraising drive was in response to Labor’s call for members to donate $27 for a social media campaign targeting One Nation.

Labor is trying to position the right-wing party as one of grievance rather than a legitimate alternative government that offers solutions.

The Liberal Party hasn’t ruled out preferencing One Nation over Labor at the next federal election.

-with AAP