The Coalition government is bracing for its second leadership challenge in less than two months and is fighting to retain its one-seat majority at Saturday’s crucial Wentworth byelection. 

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who resigned in February after former staffer Vikki Campion became pregnant with his child, acknowledged he wanted the Nationals leadership but only on the condition that he was drafted. 

"If it was offered to me I'd take it, but I'm not touting for it, I'm not collecting the numbers," Mr Joyce told Sky News. 

Mr Joyce said he had "not made one call to one colleague" agitating for votes.

"There's been no secret meetings in my room, there's no WhatsApp group, there's no dinner conversations going away to a restaurant," he said.

Some Nationals figures privately fear a switch back to Mr Joyce would destroy the party's female vote given his recent personal history.

They also believe Mr McCormack has not been given enough time to prove his credentials with the community.

In a statement to Fairfax Media, Mr McCormack said regional Australians wanted "secure and stable leadership" that understands their concerns and delivered for them.

"That's what the Nationals stand for and that's why my leadership is providing," he said.

"The Nationals is a fantastic, grassroots party focused on issues that matter to country people.

“All of us are working to deliver for country communities, to back small business and to back farmers, which is where Barnaby is playing an important role as a drought envoy.

"I will continue to work with Barnaby and all my colleagues to stick up for regional Australia and for country people."