Nats will plant stooge for Joyce: Windsor

Tony Windsor believes the Nationals will run a political "stooge" to direct preferential votes Barnaby Joyce's way and ensure the deputy prime minister keeps his job.

The independent candidate for the northern NSW seat was responding to reports he's set to receive endorsements from right-wing micro parties vengeful about the government's Senate voting reforms.

Asked if he'd be happy to receive those votes, he said: "It's the voter who fills the page. I can't refuse."

But Mr Windsor believes the country party will back another independent to bolster Mr Joyce's position.

"I would imagine that the Nationals will run an independent stooge and try and do the same thing back the other way," he told AAP in the regional town of Werris Creek on Wednesday.

There had been talk about businessman Jamie McIntyre running, he said.

"He made some utterance about a year ago that if Windsor ran that he'd do something to make sure he got preferences back to Joyce - so it works both ways."

Mr Windsor also believes Mr Joyce's campaign will be significantly bolstered financially by mining magnate Gina Rinehart, a friend of the Nationals leader.

But he's confident that won't do his political rival any favours.

"I welcome her with open arms - her mere presence rebuts herself.

"You can't buy these people."

Mr Windsor also responded to Mr Joyce's accusations that his political return was because of a personal vendetta.

The former independent MP disputed his rival's claims, describing them as "weird".

"It's almost as if it's some sort of reverse psychology applying because I'm known to be fairly calm."

But Mr Windsor says his return to the political ring would give voters an alternative they never had before.

"It's their choice, but they will have one."