Nationals leader Michael McCormack has backed the case for new rules to make leadership spills more difficult as he prepares to promote key allies to the ministry after surviving a challenge from former leader Barnaby Joyce.

The Nationals are discussing a higher threshold for future challenges to follow the stricter rules embraced by Labor and the Liberals, in another example of politicians voting to restrain their own capacity for leadership upheaval.

Nationals leader Michael McCormack and deputy leader David Littleproud on Wednesday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

The proposal has been sent to the party's management team for consideration and a potential decision next week after the idea was aired by Anne Webster, the Nationals MP for Mallee in regional Victoria.

But it is being opposed by Mr Joyce and his allies and is being treated warily by some of Mr McCormack's own supporters, with some wanting it referred for discussions over the long term because an early vote would inflame tensions in the party room.