Rumours are swirling that Barnaby Joyce may call for a National party leadership spill before Christmas.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has attempted to unite the National Party's strong divide since Scott Morrison took office on August 24.

But Annika Smethurst writes in her weekly column for The Sunday Telegraph, the 'nice guy' from Wagga Wagga has failed to do so.

The politics editor says the 22 members of the National party room have all agreed there is a chance former leader Mr Joyce may call for a spill and resume his position at the top before the year is up.

Rumours are circling that Barnaby Joyce (pictured, middle) may call for a National party leadership spill before Christmas

'The room has completely blown up and we have never recovered,' one Nationals MP said, according to Ms Smethurst.

Following the reveal of his affair and child with former staffer Vikki Campion earlier this year, Mr Joyce received copious amounts of backlash.

Since then, the National's party room has been divided between those who think the former leader can return and those who would rather quit than endure the reality of a Joyce-led Coalition.

Many in the party say McCormack is known for his 'nice guy approach', but it's also his weakest point, Ms Smethurst wrote in her column.

She said even those that speak ill of the party leader begin their criticism with: 'He is a really nice bloke but …'

Mr Joyce brought a different approach to the top spot when he became the leader of the National Party, with many deeming him a straight shooter.

Marginal seat holders began to depend on his blunt, candid style, with majority believing his leadership could save them come election time.

Whereas McCormack has a desire to please, which has seen him lose support over the past few months, Ms Smethurst said.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack (pictured) has attempted to unite the National Party's strong divide

Many believe Mr Joyce still has strong leadership ambitions, as he has worked hard to rebuild his damaged reputation, the politics editor said.

The former leader has been spotted wining and dining colleagues and journalists with Ms Campion and his daughters by his side.

Although members of the party believe Mr Joyce is the shining light to save them on polling day, voters might not agree.

'They all seem to think Joyce will pull them home,' one Nationals MP warned Ms Smethurst.

'He would be political poison for our female vote in regional areas.'