Veterans Affairs Minister Michael McCormack will be the next leader of the Nationals and deputy prime minister, beating a last-minute challenge from maverick backbencher George Christensen by an as-yet-unknown margin to claim the party leadership.
Federal Nationals MPs and senators met for a special party room meeting at 8am in Parliament House.
In less than an hour, the meeting was over. Barnaby Joyce had formally resigned, the leadership contenders had made their speeches and a ballot had been held.
The result was revealed by Nationals whip Michelle Landry, who did not diclose the numbers.
"We're not revealing numbers," Ms Landry told reporters in the corridor outside the party room.
The Nationals whip would not comment in detail on the leadership pitch made by George Christensen, who has recently suggested the regional party consider leaving its Coalition partnership with the Liberals.
"George is passionate about the National party ... it's his democratic right to get up in the partyroom and speak," she said.
"George decided that he wanted to stand up and talk about the National party values."
"I bought myself a new whip this week to keep the boys in line in the party room."
Deputy Nationals leader Bridget McKenzie had urged a consensus approach, asking the Nationals to rally behind a single candidate.
Michael McCormack was expected to be the only candidate after NSW MP David Gillespie withdrew from the race on Sunday afternoon.
There had been some speculation that Agriculture minister and staunch Joyce supporter David Littleproud could run, but confirmed he would not contest the ballot late on Sunday night.
Newly elected leader Michael McCormack said the challenge from his "mate" George Christensen would not damage the unity of the party.
"I congratulate George for putting his hand up," he said, briefly putting his arm around his Nationals colleague.
"That's the National Party. We talk openly about things with each other."
Mr McCormack then left for a meeting with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who today returns to Canberra after a tour of the United States.
There will soon be a cabinet reshuffle to redistribute ministries among the Liberals and Nationals.
