Nationals MP Dr Anne Webster calls for regional focus after failed Barnaby Joyce leadership spill

It comes after Barnaby Joyce challenged Michael McCormack to the National Party leadership on Tuesday.

The Nationals party room deliberated for about 40 minutes before deciding against a change in leader.

Member for Maranoa David Littleproud was also chosen as the party's deputy leader.

"I fully support Michael's and David Littleproud's leadership," Dr Webster said. "I have worked closely with both of them in our work in the Mallee.

"Between them, they have a strong sense of leadership."

The leadership contest was sparked by the resignation of former Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie.

Ms McKenzie stepped aside on Sunday, after an investigation found she had two undeclared conflicts of interest relating to sports grants.

Read more: McCormack triumphs over Barnaby Joyce in Nationals leadership spill

Mr Joyce took the opportunity to challenge for the leadership, after he lost the top job two years ago.

While the attempted spill drew derision from some Nationals MPs, Dr Webster said Mr Joyce should not step aside from parliament.

"Barnaby has been a passionate defender of all things regional," she said. "My hope is that he continues his role in advocating and defending regional communities."

Dr Webster said the actions of the past few days - and the leadership contest - should be put aside.

"I think this is an important day," she said. "We need to draw a line in the sand.

"The conjecture around the leadership is finished. Michael has been firmly endorsed as leader of the National Party."

Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester criticised the party on Tuesday, telling the ABC he was "embarrassed" by the leadership challenge.

"Those people who are suffering the consequences of drought or bushfires, on a day when the parliament was due to debate a condolence motion, to have us talking about ourselves is embarrassing," he said. "I apologise for that.

"I want to reassure them there are a lot of people here in Canberra who are fighting to make sure the recovery goes as quickly and as well as it possibly can."

Dr Webster said she understood and agreed with Mr Chester's comments.

"The Australian community does not want us navel gazing and focusing on ourselves," she said.

"It does look a lot like narcissism. We need to move on and make the community the focus of our attention.

"This needs to be a line in the sand."

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