Australia will get a new deputy prime minister this morning, with Michael McCormack expected to be appointed the new leader of the Nationals.

Key points: Michael McCormack first elected as Member for Riverina in 2010

Michael McCormack first elected as Member for Riverina in 2010 Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says he will not be contesting leadership

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says he will not be contesting leadership Barnaby Joyce stepped down as Nationals leader and deputy PM on Friday

The Wagga Wagga-based MP and Veterans Affairs Minister is the only declared candidate to take over from Barnaby Joyce.

Mr Joyce is stepping down following intense scrutiny over his extra-marital affair, related propriety concerns and a separate sexual harassment claim.

Barring any surprises, Mr McCormack will be appointed the new Nationals leader and deputy prime minister at a meeting of all Nationals MPs and senators in Canberra this morning.

No other candidates

Junior minister and Member for Lyne David Gillespie considered running, but said yesterday the numbers were against him.

"I am aware of the simple rules of politics and that is arithmetic," he said.

"I thought at this stage it's best if I get behind whoever the party chooses."



The Member for Gippsland and dumped cabinet minister Darren Chester had earlier ruled out contesting the leadership.

Agriculture Minister and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud was canvassing support but has also pulled out.

In a statement released late last night, Mr Littleproud said he was humbled by the "significant support" he had received from colleagues, but, "will not be contesting the leadership".

"Now is not the time for internal contests. Now is the time for all individuals to be team players," Mr Littleproud said.

"It is time for The Nationals to get behind Michael McCormack as leader and focus on delivering for regional Australia together."

Other Nationals MPs endorsed Mr McCormack ahead of the party room meeting this morning.

"I'll be voting for Michael McCormack, I think he'll be a fantastic new leader for the Nationals," Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said.

"He's a pretty solid performer," said the Member for Mallee Andrew Broad. "He's got good values and he'll be a team player."

Deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie will remain in her position, with no moves to change other roles within the party.

Both Bridget McKenzie and Nationals Whip Michelle Landry had hoped the leadership ballot would only have one candidate to ensure a smooth transition.

According to Mr Gillespie, a contested ballot was never going to happen.

"We always end up in consensus mode, that's what we do in the National Party," he said.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 13 minutes 29 seconds 13 m Bridget McKenzie urges the Nationals to put forward one candidate to replace Barnaby Joyce

From Wagga Wagga to Canberra

Mr McCormack was first elected as the Member for Riverina in 2010.

Prior to that, he was the editor of the newspaper in Wagga Wagga and a small business owner.

He has held ministerial roles since 2013, currently serving as the Minister for Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel.

With irrigated agriculture a major industry in his electorate, Mr McCormack has been vocal on the Murray-Darlin Basin Plan and foreign takeovers over agri-businesses.

He is seen by many as a safe set of hands for the leadership of the Nationals, given his ministerial experience.

However, some Nationals have privately expressed concerns voters will find him too staid in comparison to Barnaby Joyce's outspoken style.

Michael McCormack joined Parliament after the 2010 election. ( ABC News: Nick Haggarty )

New deal …

The first job of the new Nationals leader will be to strike a new Coalition agreement with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The pact between the leaders of the Liberal and National parties is what holds the governing coalition together, but it has never been made public.

It covers administrative arrangements, such as how many ministerial positions the Nationals will hold.

But is also locks in policy commitments on everything from water allocations, to climate change, transport and telecommunications and social policies such as same-sex marriage.

In negotiating new terms, Michael McCormack can be expected to push for commitments to support irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin.

He is also known to want the small business responsibilities to be moved from the outer ministry back to a cabinet position.

Regardless of whether that occurs, a minor cabinet reshuffle will be required.

Sorry, this video has expired Barnaby Joyce resigns as Nationals leader

… and a new start?

Mr McCormack has a big task ahead of him.

The turmoil created by Mr Joyce's personal crises have been damaging the Nationals and the Coalition Government.

The relationship between the two coalition partners needs mending too.

The Nationals Member for Flynn, Ken O'Dowd, concedes it has been a tough period for his party.

"Look, it hasn't been good. We've got a lot of catch-up to do, but we'll do it," he said.

Ms Landry hopes the change at the top will turn around their fortunes.

"I do think we need clean air," she said.

"To have a new leader is going to be good for the party."

Keith Pitt said the Nationals were now moving on.

"Barnaby Joyce has been a great leader of the Nationals and deputy prime minister, but he's not the messiah."