The push to reinstate Barnaby Joyce as deputy prime minister has stalled in the wake of the Victorian election disaster and private pleas for Coalition unity.

MPs were last month bracing for a leadership change over fears the Nationals are on course for a wipeout in Queensland at next year's federal election under current leader Michael McCormack.

Mr Joyce, who resigned in disgrace in February after former staffer Vikki Campion became pregnant with his child, wants to reclaim the top job but has denied making calls for support.

Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce says he supports Nationals leader Michael McCormack. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

His Queensland-based backers remain convinced they have enough support to challenge Mr McCormack or ask him to stand down, however momentum appears to have slowed just as MPs return to Canberra for the final sitting fortnight of the year - a window often referred to as the 'killing season'.