He is eyeing off the federal seat of Maranoa, in western Queensland, held by Mr Scott, 68, since 1990 and who does not seem to have any plans of retiring at the next election. Senator Joyce has not ruled out running for preselection in the seat against Mr Scott, saying he would definitely run if Mr Scott retired or if another LNP member decided to challenge Mr Scott for the seat. If Mr Scott decided to run again for preselection, Senator Joyce said he would consult with Maranoa voters before deciding whether to throw his hat in the ring. "I’ve had a lot of support and I’m not going to disclose who they are, [but the supporters are] both in the seat and around the place,’’ he said. Senator Joyce said his two options for seats in the House of Representatives were Maranoa and New England, the NSW seat held by Independent MP Tony Windsor, who helped deliver power to the Gillard government after the last federal election.

‘‘I’ve always tried to be consistent and I’ve always said the most logical place to stand is where you live, the next obvious place for you to stand is where you grew up,’’ he said. ‘‘You've got to think where is the place where the locals will have a sense of affinity with you.’’ Senator Joyce said he would not challenge Mr Truss for the National Party leadership but ‘‘nobody lives forever’’. ‘‘Warren will be leader of the National Party for as long as Warren wants to be leader of the National Party, I can assure you of that,’’ he said. The leader of the National Party also becomes the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia if the Coalition wins power.

In a statement this morning, Mr Scott stopped short of saying he would definitely be seeking preselection for Maranoa but emphasised his good health and the support he has from Mr Truss. “I’m absolutely committed to getting the best for the electorate and do everything I can

for a change in government in Canberra," he said. “I’m fit and healthy and I enjoy doing the job I was elected for at the last federal

election. “The party has a process of endorsement and I respect those processes. “I have certainly welcomed parliamentary leader Warren Truss’ support.”

Mr Abbott would not pick a favourite when talking to reporters at the Ekka in Brisbane today. "Bruce has been a terrific member for Maranoa, Barnaby Joyce has been a great frontbencher, and I’m looking forward to working with both of them for a very long time," Mr Abbott said, as cows mooed in the background. Mr Abbott said the preselection issue was a "hypothetical question" and a matter for the party. The seat of Maranoa covers about 731 297 sq km, taking in the towns of Charleville, Chinchilla, Cunnamulla, Dalby, Goondiwindi, Kingaroy, Miles, Roma, St George, Stanthorpe, Tara, Thargomindah and Warwick. - with Judith Ireland