McCormack holds onto Nationals leadership

Michael McCormack has fended off a challenge from Barnaby Joyce to remain leader of the Nationals, and deputy prime minister, following a party room ballot in Canberra on Tuesday.

"It's a great honour and a privilege to continue to serve as the leader of the National Party," Mr McCormack told reporters at Parliament House.

David Littleproud has been elected as deputy leader to replace Bridget McKenzie, who resigned over the sports rorts scandal.

The Nationals will not release the results of either ballot.

"I want to thank my colleagues for again placing their faith in me," Mr McCormack said.

He wants the Nationals to unite after the leadership challenge.

"We need to unite, we will unite," Mr McCormack said.

"The people of regional Australia come first, not us. We're sent here to do the job and we will do that."

Mr McCormack said he shook hands with Mr Joyce after the ballot and is confident the pair will "move on and work hard together".

Asked whether Mr Joyce would challenge again, he said: "No, I don't expect him to. I've been endorsed as leader."

Matt Canavan resigned as resources minister to back Mr Joyce in the ballot.

He will not return to the ministry.

Mr Joyce was leader from February 2016 to February 2018 when he resigned over sexual harassment allegations and a furore over his affair with a staffer.