By-election win could see Barnaby Joyce back in parliament by next week

Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce can expect to find himself back in parliament by as early as next week after securing more than 63 percent of first preferences in the New England by-election.

Mr Joyce claimed victory last night, in what Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called the "biggest swing to a government in by-election history".

"We're getting the band back together," Malcolm Turnbull said to rapturous applause at the Nationals' election party in Tamworth this evening.

Mr Joyce, with more than a quarter of votes counted across New England, has secured more than 63 percent of the first preference vote.

Mr Turnbull called it a "stunning victory", before introducing a jubilant Mr Joyce to the packed room of supporters, which included Matt Canavan and John “Wacka” Williams.

Mr Joyce said he was humbled to be given another chance at performing the "sacred duty" of governing in Canberra.

"I say to the people of New England, I don't take anything for granted," he said.

"I will continue to work as flat out as I have in the past."

Mr Joyce’s win gives Malcolm Turnbull one of two votes he's been without in the House of Representatives, as the prime minister continues to face divisions within the Coalition.

“We’ve been untidy as a party,” Mr Joyce confided.

“We need to keep enforcing a bit of party discipline.”

His statement is echoed by former prime minister John Howard, who warned Coalition MPs to stop the "madness" and get behind Malcolm Turnbull – or face "significant damage".

With AAP.