Barnaby Joyce replaces Truss as Nationals boss in uncontested vote

Barnaby Joyce has been elected unopposed as leader of the Nationals, becoming the party's 13th leader following the decision by Warren Truss to retire.

Nationals MP Michelle Landry says Barnaby Joyce (pic) will make a great party leader. (AAP) Source: AAP

In announcing the result to the media, Nationals M-P George Christensen says there won't be any bad blood between Nationals M-Ps as a result of the ballot.

"If there's one great legacy that Warren Truss has left the National Party, it is a sense of unity and loyalty. And that will continue under this new leadership. We are all very good mates, and we are going to continue to be, even though some people missed out tonight."

Mr Joyce said he's already held discussions with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on redrafting the coalition agreement, and hoped to continue those talks late last night or early today. (fri)

He said The Nationals will continue to seek an additional cabinet position, adding that it would be appropriate in the impending reshuffle, brought on mainly by the loss of a number of ministers to scandal.

"It's out of respect for the people of regional Australia that Fiona, Nigel, and myself will go forward as a team, leading our colleagues in an  effective coalition for the betterment of the Australian people in general."

 

Mr Joyce, the minister for agriculture, will also consider, over the next 24 hours, whether he will seek to switch portfolios.   

Fiona Nash was elected deputy leader of the party, beating out six other candidates, and becoming the first woman in a leadership position in the Nationals.

Nash said:"it is going to be a slightly different National Party...quite a different National Party. We will be doing though, the same things we've always done: focusing on those people outside the major capital cities who need us to fight for them. Who need to make sure we still bridge the divide. Who need to make sure that we build stronger rural and regional communities, so that our children and our grandchildren want to stay in those communities, or come back to those communities."

Outgoing leader Warren Truss earlier said  Mr Joyce would have a different style of leadership to him, but would be effective, and he says he has every confidence in him.

"As far as I know, Barnaby will be the only candidate for the leadership this evening. I have every confidence in Barnaby. He's obviously got a high profile in the community. He has a different style to me but you would expect that from a new leader. And while his leadership will be different, I'm sure it'll be constructive."