National Party leader Michael McCormack under pressure

Nationals leader Michael McCormack is facing internal leadership pressure, with reports he could be rolled after the Queensland election.

Senior National Party members are defending the party’s stability after a report that leader Michael McCormack could be rolled before Christmas.

Mr McCormack fended off a tilt from Barnaby Joyce in February.

But The Australian is reporting a fresh destabilisation campaign led by senior Nationals MPs and party figures is in the pipeline, with rivals laying the groundwork for a leadership transition after the Queensland election.

Deputy Nationals leader David Littleproud on Tuesday dismissed the claims saying “Michael McCormack will lead us to the next election”.

“The National Party is focusing on real issues, real people, not ourselves,” Mr Littleproud told Sky News.

“I’m not going to enter into childish games.”

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the party is focused on leading the nation through a pandemic that is destroying our economy and is putting people’s lives at risk. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

National Party Senator Matt Canavan, who resigned from his position as resources minister to support Barnaby Joyce’s leadership ambitions, also defended the party saying you don’t change the coach when you’re winning.

However, The Australian reports high-profile campaigns by the Nationals on issues including border closure impacts, live cattle exports, regional airport funding and coal-fired power plants were being led by David Littleproud, Bridget McKenzie and Matt Canavan – raising concerns about Mr McCormack’s leadership.

Regional Education Minister Andrew Gee told Sky News that Mr McCormack was a strong leader.

“Leadership takes many different forms and you don‘t have to be in someone’s face all the time and be on a wild roller coaster ride to be a strong leader,” Mr Gee said.

Mr Joyce also backed McCormack’s leadership on Tuesday saying “Big Mac and ScoMo, BigMo” were going to be one of the greatest stars.