Deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop will be the acting prime minister during Malcolm Turnbull's upcoming visit to Israel.

Key points: There will be no deputy prime minister until after the New England by-election

There will be no deputy prime minister until after the New England by-election Julie Bishop to be acting prime minister — a role normally filled by a Nationals member

Julie Bishop to be acting prime minister — a role normally filled by a Nationals member Turnbull says Scullion is not annoyed at being overlooked in favour of Bishop

The High Court yesterday dumped Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce from the Parliament because he was a dual citizen at the last election.

With the court also ejecting deputy Nationals leader Fiona Nash, Cabinet this morning discussed who should fill in from Monday.

Mr Turnbull said the "special interim circumstances" meant the junior Coalition partner would miss out on the role.

"Barnaby Joyce remains the leader of the federal Nationals but, of course, he is not currently in the Parliament," Mr Turnbull said.

"Therefore the normal order of precedence in terms of acting prime minister falls to Julie Bishop as the deputy leader of the Liberal Party and Foreign Minister."

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion is the most senior remaining Nationals politician.

Some Nationals wanted him to take the post, given the party traditionally takes the role when a Liberal PM is abroad.

But the Government confirmed it would leave the role of deputy prime minister vacant until after Mr Joyce's December 2 by-election, meaning Ms Bishop was next in line.

Some Liberals were also furious the regional party had caused the Government's citizenship mess.

Mr Turnbull said the Northern Territory senator was "absolutely in support of this arrangement", and dismissed suggestions he was annoyed at the smaller party.

"I love the Coalition," Mr Turnbull declared.

"When times get tough, that's when you put your arms around your mates, you look after them."

Acting Labor leader Tanya Plibersek said it was extraordinary it took nearly 24 hours to sort out the acting prime ministership.

"This is chaos," she said. "This kind of uncertainty should not exist in a country like Australia."

Mr Turnbull is visiting Israel to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba.

Barnaby begins campaigning

Sorry, this video has expired Barnaby Joyce to face New England by-election

Mr Joyce, meanwhile, has officially been endorsed by local Nationals party members to stand in the by-election for the northern NSW seat of New England.

He started his campaign on Saturday by visiting some towns in his electorate, and said it was an honour to be supported by local party members.

"I am very humbled the New England people have found it in their hearts to say I should have another crack at this," he said.

The Opposition has hinted it could legally challenge decisions Mr Joyce has made since last year's election.

"Labor will use their time — quite obviously, it's politics — to try and cast as many assertions and to basically try and muddy the waters," Mr Joyce said.

He also defended remaining a minister over the past few months, saying the solicitor-general had advised he was likely to win the court case.

"If I made a different decision, it would mean I had a better knowledge of the law than the solicitor-general," he said.

"That would have been an absurdity."