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 8 am 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.
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