The Member for New England has dismissed leadership rumblings in the Nationals Party Room.
In a weekend newspaper interview, Barnaby Joyce revealed he has no plans to call a spill today.
On social media, he’s quoted as saying “There’s no prospect of a spill at this point in time. I would just let that issue arise.”
There is considerable disquiet among Nationals about Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s hardening support for Australia adopting a net zero by 2050 emissions target ahead of the Glasgow climate talks in November.
Asked by reporters if there were any reason for him to be concerned about his leadership, Mr McCormack replied: “There is no reason for the party room not to be behind me”.
“I have delivered for regional Australia in the two last federal budgets in particular, in very challenging times.
“I am concentrating my efforts on regional Australia.”
According to reports from the ABC, Some Nationals say they are disappointed with the direction of the party under Mr McCormack, with one saying he lacked “cut through”.
David Littleproud MP- Image David Foote-AUSPIC/DPS
But one strong supporter of Mr Joyce said he believed the former leader may only have seven to eight firm votes should there be a leadership spill.
Another potential contender for the leadership, if there were a spill, would be the Federal MP for Maranoa David Littleproud.
Mr Joyce failed in his earlier bid, back in February, to seek Nationals leadership.
His backers have denied they’ll move a motion of no confidence in their leader – Michael McCormack.
