Mr Purcell, whose vote in the upper house is crucial for legislation to pass, said a credible source close to him was told by a Liberal MP that if Mr Purcell supported the legislation, there would be a huge campaign against him at the next election.

The state government announced it plans to split paid firefighters away from the CFA, rendering the organisation volunteer-only and establishing a new Fire Rescue Victoria body for paid firefighters.

The Vote 1 Jobs MP said he was very surprised to receive the message.

“It really didn't worry me because I’m not a career politician and what happens at the next election doesn't worry me,” Mr Purcell said.

“I’ll be doing what I can for the next 18 months.”

Mr Purcell said he received the message about 5pm on Tuesday.

“Look, I must admit at the time I was sort of of the opinion, if they think that’s going to change my vote I’ll show them that it's not,” he said.

“So it probably had the reverse effect immediately, but once I thought about it I thought ‘no I’d be silly to do that and i’ll vote what I think is the right way for my region and obviously the volunteers’.

Mr Purcell said his decision would be based on what he believed was right rather than on an individual’s involvement.

“I’ve had people try to convince me and coerce me before, which is what should happen, but if anyone thinks a threat is going to work they’ve got another thing coming,” he said.

“I’ve been in the game a long time and I never really expected it to happen. I have no doubt that the Liberals believe that this is a winner for them at the next election and they want to keep it alive as long as they can.”

Mr Purcell said prior to making a decision he would be consulting with the electorate.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said it was Liberal and National party policy to respect the CFA volunteers and not to break up the CFA.

“Any Labor, Green or Independent MP who votes to destroy our CFA will face a strong campaign against them from the Liberal and Nationals parties,” he said.