Former supporters of Nationals leader Michael McCormack have reportedly deserted the Deputy Prime Minister in favour of previous leader Barnaby Joyce.
According to The Daily Telegraph:
“Nationals MPs who want a return to Barnaby Joyce are discussing moving a spill motion against Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack as early as next week.
“The escalating campaign against his leadership prompted Mr McCormack to last night make a pitch for stability in the party, telling The Daily Telegraph he was delivering for regional voters.
“But some of his formerly staunch supporters have deserted him, accusing him of weakness towards the Liberals and failing to cut-through to voters.”
Mr Joyce has told Sky News he would accept the leadership if it was offered to him.
“I’ve always said that if anything was offered to me I’d take it. If it came up and if it was offered to me I’d take it but I’m not touting for it,” he said.
EXCLUSIVE: NATIONALS MPs who want a return to Barnaby Joyce are discussing moving a spill motion against Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, as some of his formerly staunch supporters have deserted him. Via @SharriMarkson, @SheradynNews & @rharris334 https://t.co/lhWPpk21EE
— The Daily Telegraph (@dailytelegraph) October 17, 2018