Is Barnaby back? Nationals leader Michael McCormack is 'asked to resign or face a spill' ahead of the election as support grows for Joyce
- Barnaby Joyce could return to Deputy Prime Minister role ahead of the election
- Nationals members are reportedly unimpressed with Michael McCormack
- They have said he is a lacklustre fund raiser and is not well-known enough
- Joyce will reportedly not push for a spill but will throw his hat in the ring if asked
Nationals leader Michael McCormack has reportedly been asked to resign or be rolled as party members grow increasingly frustrated with his low profile.
McCormack took over the top job and Deputy Prime Ministership after Barnaby Joyce stepped down because of controversy over his affair with staffer Vikki Campion.
But the Nationals are now regretting their choice, The Courier Mail reports, and want their exuberant, well-known leader back.
Barnaby Joyce (pictured) could return to his former position as Deputy PM ahead of the upcoming federal election
The Nationals are reportedly unhappy with current leader Michael McCormack's (pictured) performance, noting he is a bad fundraiser and is not well-known among Australians
While Joyce will not push for a spill, he reportedly would be willing to run for the top job if he is called.
Calls reportedly circulated the party on Thursday night to confirm Joyce could win, as senior members of the party pressured McCormack to save himself and the party any embarrassment and stand down, according to the publication.
The new Deputy PM is accused of being unable to secure the funds Joyce could, and is 'walked all over' by Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
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Joyce, already a father of four, welcomed his first son - and first child with new partner Vikki Campion - Sebastian Joyce, last year.
In January, it was reported the couple were expecting another son, with the former Deputy PM telling supporters at a fundraiser it was a 'great blessing' and he was 'really happy'.
'We're actually having another child called Tom, so there you go,' he said.
Joyce stepped down from his role as Nationals leader and Deputy PM last year, after it was revealed he had an affair with staffer Vikki Campion and they were expecting a child (pictured together with their son)
