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AAP
AAP
Politics
Matt Coughlan

Barnaby to return as deputy prime minister

Barnaby Joyce has seized back his old job as Nationals leader and deputy PM. (AAP)

Barnaby Joyce will return as the deputy prime minister after defeating Michael McCormack in a Nationals leadership spill.

Multiple outlets are reporting the result of the vote.

Mr Joyce secured a majority in the 21-member party room at a meeting in Canberra on Monday after long-time supporter Matt Canavan moved a spill motion.

The change in Nationals leadership could have major implications for the Morrison government with the junior coalition partner set for a ministerial reshuffle.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has retained his role as Nationals deputy leader.

Mr Joyce failed to topple Mr McCormack at his last attempt in February last year but has prevailed at his second crack.

Mr Joyce lost his job in 2018 after a major scandal stemming from his extra-marital affair with a staffer who has now given birth to the couple's two children, as well as sexual harassment allegations he strongly denies.

Earlier, Mr McCormack vowed not to stand aside.

"If I survive then the people who actually run against me, they should think long and hard about their futures," he told reporters in Canberra.

Deputy PM Michael McCormack is facing another challenge for the leadership of the Nationals. (AAP)

"They should think long and hard about the role they need to play in government. They should stop being so destabilising."

Walking into the meeting, the deputy prime minister said he was feeling positive.

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