Macfarlane return may be 'awkward': Ciobo

A Liberal frontbencher says it might be "slightly awkward" if colleague Ian Macfarlane returns to the party room after his failed bid to switch to the Nationals.

Steve Ciobo says it's a "case of common sense prevailing" after the executive of the Queensland Liberal National Party on Monday rejected the move.

He told ABC radio Mr Macfarlane exercised "poor judgment" in attempting to jump ship for self-serving needs, adding it "might be slightly awkward" for his colleague if he chooses to return to the party room in 2016.