McCormack confirmed as Nationals leader

NSW MP Michael McCormack has been elected the new federal leader of the Nationals, replacing Barnaby Joyce as deputy prime minister.

Michael McCormack is the new federal leader of the Nationals, replacing Barnaby Joyce. (AAP)

Veterans Affairs Minister Michael McCormack has been confirmed as the new deputy prime minister after winning the Nationals leadership.

The Riverina MP has replaced Barnaby Joyce who quit after weeks of controversy surrounding his extra-marital affair with a former staffer who is now pregnant.

Mr McCormack, 53, was confirmed as Nationals leader at a partyroom meeting on Monday morning in Canberra having been challenged by George Christensen.