Barnaby Joyce plays down report suggesting Nationals on brink of leadership challenge

Barnaby Joyce has deflected rumours he is looking to challenge David Littleproud for leadership of the Nationals.

A News Corp report today suggested Littleproud has lost his party's support because of his relationship with Peter Dutton.

Speaking with 9News this morning, Joyce insisted he was not the source for the story, which pitched he and former resources minister Keith Pitt as the most likely candidates to run for the top party job.

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Joyce, who was deputy prime minister under the Turnbull and Morrison governments, indicated he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Littleproud replaced Joyce as leader of the National Party last May, after Labor's victory in the federal election.

"We're all on borrowed time in politics, don't worry about that," Littleproud said.

"It's up to the party room.

"I have never taken anything for granted being the leader.

"Whatever the party room decides, I accept."

Some inside the Nationals feel Littleproud has been overwhelmed and dominated by Dutton to the detriment of the party and its policies.

The Nationals are are no strangers to leadership challenges, with numerous changes at the top over the past five years.

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