RIVERINA MP Michael McCormack has confirmed he will not challenge for the Nationals leadership.
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Speculation has been rife in recent months the former newspaper editor would go head to head with Nationals’ deputy leader Barnaby Joyce for the top role.
Party leader Warren Truss’s retirement announcement on Thursday led to a leadership vote for 8pm the same night.
Despite widespread reports Mr McCormack would challenge, he confirmed to The Daily Advertiser he had decided against it.
“I am not challenging for the leadership and have told the party as much,” he said in a text message to the newspaper.
He confirmed he would be putting up his hand for the deputy leader’s role, expected to be vacated by Barnaby Joyce, who will stand uncontested for leader.
Seven other Nationals MPs are predicted to be nominating to contest the deputy leader’s job.