Former Nationals MP Llew O'Brien elected deputy speaker in blow to government

Little-known Nationals MP Llew O'Brien has been elevated to deputy speaker of the lower house after rebel backbenchers voted against the Morrison government.

Nationals Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien. Source: AAP

Rebel Nationals have fuelled deepening divisions in the troubled party with disgruntled MPs embarrassing the coalition in parliament.

Queenslander Llew O'Brien was made deputy speaker of the House of Representatives against the government's wishes, with the support of Labor and a handful of Nationals.

His elevation came hours after he quit the Nationals and announced his intention to remain as a government MP but no longer attend the junior coalition partner's meetings.

The member for White Bay Llew O'Brien (centre) is congratulated after being elected to the deputy speaker position in the House of Representatives on Monday. Source: AAP

He wasted no time in speaking out against the Nationals leadership, accusing them of organising a meeting to coincide with last year's Melbourne Cup.

Barnaby Joyce's long-running battle with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack is the backdrop for the deepening rift in the party.

Mr Joyce failed to topple Mr McCormack last week, but his supporters don't appear to be letting the issue die.

While Nationals chief whip Damian Drum won partyroom support to become deputy speaker, a group of MPs defied that ballot to install Mr O'Brien.

Scott Morrison attempted to paint Mr O'Brien's elevation to deputy speaker as a victory for a government MP.

"There is no shortage of government members in this house to ensure that we continue to deliver on the promises we made to the Australian people," the prime minister said.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese relished the chaos.

"No amount of marketing or spin can hide the humiliation for the government from that ballot," he said.

Queensland senator Matt Canavan, who quit cabinet to support Mr Joyce, tried to downplay Mr O'Brien's promotion.

"Let's keep this in context, the vote wasn't about legislation or policy or even a motion expressing a view, it's a vote on a pick for a position," he told Sky News.

He said leaving the party was not on his radar at the moment, expressing surprise at Mr O'Brien's defection.

Mr O'Brien, a former police officer, receives a major pay increase as deputy speaker with the Wide Bay MP set to earn more than $250,000 a year in his new role.