As things stand, Michael McCormack is considered the next most likely leader of the Nationals.

But the little-known Riverina-based MP continues to have a bet each way, opting to keep sweet in a party room bizarrely convinced its leader Barnaby Joyce can ride out the storm.

This is delusional.

A Monday morning interview with Sky News presenter Ashleigh Gillon graphically demonstrated the Nationals' paralysis and the dilemma facing any future leader not prepared to crash through or crash - to either prevail or, if need be, lose on a matter of principle.

McCormack's awkwardness over a transfer of power that ordinary Australians know must take place, threatens to skewer his credibility, tie him up in Joyce's shambolic travails, further tarnish the Nationals' commitment to social conservatism, and ultimately neuter his effectiveness should he become leader.