Nats searching for a ‘trigger’ to reinstate Barnaby

Nationals MPs will wait for a ‘trigger’ before moving against Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.

Scott Morrison with National Farmers' Federation CEO Tony Maher and MC Catherine Marriott at the NFF national congress in Canberra yesterday. Picture: AAP

Nationals MPs will wait for a ­“trigger” before moving against Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, fuelling Barnaby Joyce’s ambition to reclaim the party leadership.

Mr McCormack yesterday declared he would not stand aside for Mr Joyce despite Nationals frontbencher Michelle Landry saying she was “sure” the former leader would retake his old job despite rejecting an imminent challenge.

An immediate move against Mr McCormack was ruled out by all Nationals MPs contacted by The Australian amid speculation of a spill as soon as next week.

At least two Nationals senators — including Matthew Canavan and Nigel Scullion — will not be in Canberra on Monday when the partyroom meets while other ­senators will be required to attend estimates hearings.

The need for a “trigger” to move against Mr McCormack was raised by Nationals MPs who are waiting for polling being conducted in key marginals and the outcome of Saturday’s by-election in Wentworth — the seat vacated by Malcolm Turnbull.

“Not one member has come to me and said they are dissatisfied with anything,” Mr McCormack said yesterday. “Barnaby Joyce has said that he’s not canvassing it, and I believe him. Whether or not others are, that’s a matter for them.”

Catherine Marriott, who lodged a sexual harassment complaint against Mr Joyce with the Nationals earlier this year on which the party was unable to reach a verdict, yesterday said she was pleased Scott Morrison was standing by Mr McCormack.

Ms Marriott, a former West Australian Rural Woman of the Year, was paid to MC the National Farmers Federation’s annual congress in Canberra. She told The Australian it was “heartening to hear the Prime Minister repeatedly express his strong support for Michael McCormack” but declined to comment on reports of Mr Joyce reseeking the Nationals leadership.

Internal divisions inside the Nationals were reignited after Mr Joyce said on Wednesday he was open to being drafted back to the leadership and would take the ­position if offered.

Speaking on Sky News yesterday, Ms Landry fuelled speculation by saying Mr Joyce would return to the Nationals leadership in time. “I’m sure at some stage in his career Barnaby will be leader again but Michael is our leader now. He has the support of the partyroom,” she told Sky News.

“I have spoken to a number of my colleagues. No one is interested in a change of leadership … We just don’t go changing leaders at the drop of a hat.”

The Prime Minister yesterday defended Mr McCormack’s performance and threw him a lifeline by greenlighting a new agricultural visa demanded by Nationals MPs who believed it had been sec­ured in the top-secret Coalition agreement. “I think he does a fantastic job,” Mr Morrison said.

“The Coalition between the Nationals and the Liberals has never been stronger”.

Key backers of Mr McCormack also rejected suggestions yesterday his leadership was under threat. Nationals frontbencher Darren Chester said Mr McCormack would lead the party to the next election.

“There won’t be a leadership change. Michael McCormack is leading a strong team,” Mr Chester said. “I would suggest there is a lot of smoke and hype about this, but no substance. He is a damn good leader and he will continue to do that job up to the next election”.

NSW senator John Williams, who is close with Mr Joyce, also told The Australian: “Michael is the leader … A new leader must have time to build a profile and get the message out.”