Barnaby Joyce has claimed victory in the New England by-election, delivering a speech in which he thanked voters for their support at the ballot box.
Speaking in Tamworth alongside Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Mr Joyce said: "I say to the people of New England: I never take anything for granted.
"For every person who voted for us ... I just want to say how completely and utterly humbled I am.
"Thank you very much. I hold you as close to my heart as I possibly could."
Mr Turnbull added: "This has been a stunning victory ... and a great demonstration of the strength of the coalition."
Cheers for @Barnaby_Joyce from National Party faithful on by-election night in New England @SBSNews With more than a quarter of votes counted across New England, Mr Joyce has secured more than 63 per cent of the first preference vote.
Mr Turnbull earlier met with his former deputy at a polling booth just prior to the close of voting.
"There have been some personalities and there have been some tensions, there is no doubt about that," Mr Turnbull told reporters when questioned about calls from within the Nationals for his resignation.
"The people of New England, returning Barnaby today, are making a great contribution to the government."
The pair played down talk of splintering within the coalition, with Mr Turnbull saying his friendship and working relationship with Mr Joyce was the most important in the government.
"The relationship between our parties is strong and Barnaby is a strong leader," he said.
He said the sooner Mr Joyce is back in Canberra at the helm of the National party and the deputy prime ministership, the better.
