A Nationals senator has dismissed reports that new recruit Ian Macfarlane offered to stay with the Liberal Party if given his former role.

Mr Macfarlane is seeking local endorsement to swap from the Liberal to the National partyroom, following his demotion as minister for industry and science in September.

He began seeking the switch within one week of being dumped from the frontbench by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, but Sky News has reported that he offered to stay with the Liberals if given his old role.

The report, which stated that Mr Macfarlane made the offer earlier this week, has been dismissed by Nationals senator Matthew Canavan.

Senator Canavan told Sky News that he had been assured no deal was attempted with the Liberals.

"I've spoken to Ian this morning and he says it's absolute rubbish, that that did not happen," he said.

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"I seriously doubt that someone of Ian's experience and stature would do something like that."

Liberal Minister Jamie Briggs took to social media overnight to criticise Mr Macfarlane over his actions, saying the "party just improved significantly" with his departure.

Senator Canavan said those "disappointed" by the change needed to move on.

"I'm not going to take lectures from the Liberal Party on loyalty or naked ambition," he said.

"I mean, this is politics. It is a game ruthlessly dictated to by the numbers. That's been shown this year... The National Party did not have a vote or a role in the changing of a first-term prime minister.

Mr Macfarlane yesterday said the switch made sense and he was "as National Party as anyone".

"The Nationals have offered me an opportunity which the Liberals haven't," he said.