Barnaby Joyce’s return as Deputy PM is a huge challenge for Scott Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Barnaby Joyce in 2018. Picture: AAP

A feather duster one day, a rooster the next. Such is the marvel of politics and the mercurial nature and life of Barnaby Joyce.

Michael McCormack lost the Nationals’ leadership because he had made the mistake of indicating to his colleagues and party hierarchy that he would “move on” at some time after the last challenge.

As well, McCormack’s profile blended in with the Liberal political landscape rather than stood out against it as every successful junior Coalition partner has done.

It is possible to be a stand out Nationals’ leader appealing to the regions and rural voters, appearing to take on the Liberal leader, challenging the Liberal policies but not destroying the Coalition.

While this is a huge challenge for Joyce it is an even bigger challenge for Scott Morrison as Liberal Prime Minister. There have been personal differences between the two Coalition leaders and there are yawning chasms on policy.

But as long as Joyce can temper his enthusiasm now that he is back in the top seat and recognise winning the election is the priority then Morrison must work with him.

It is no secret Morrison preferred McCormack as Nationals’ leader although senior Liberals regard McCormack’s leadership as a “day by day proposition”.

Now is the time for Morrison’s celebrated pragmatism to come to the fore, to manage potential policy differences into marketable positions that can appeal to Coalition voters in the bush and the city.

There will be sound and fury for a while as Barnaby creates a new profile for the Nationals but the key to whether this is successful going into an election is in Morrison’s hands, not Joyce’s.