However, Mr McCormack has brushed aside the claims - made in Mr Turnbull's recently published memoir - saying he has not even read the former PM's book.

In his controversial new book, A Bigger Picture, Mr Turnbull relates a story about the lead-up to a planned vote on the National Energy Guarantee in August 2018, and growing speculation about Mr Turnbull's own leadership.

The former Prime Minister lost his position to current PM Scott Morrison after a series of Liberal Party votes that same month.

In his book, Mr Turnbull wrote: "Lucy and I had spent the Sunday visiting drought-affected communities in NSW with the National Party leader, Michael McCormack, and his wife Catherine. They'd joined us at The Lodge for dinner the previous night.

"Michael was anxious that Barnaby was going to make a run for the Nationals leadership in the coming week. He also said he didn't think he could hold the Nationals to vote for the NEG in the House."

Mr Joyce did not launch his challenge for the leadership of The Nationals - which was ultimately unsuccessful - until February 2020, after the resignation of then-deputy leader Senator Bridget McKenzie, many months after the dinner at The Lodge that Mr Turnbull wrote about in A Bigger Picture.

Mr McCormack was dismissive of Mr Turnbull's book when approached by The Daily Advertiser for comment on Monday.

"My sole focus right now is ensuring our local community gets through this pandemic in the best shape possible," he said.

"The government is focused on saving lives and protecting livelihoods and we will not be distracted.

"I want to thank the overwhelming majority of Australians who are doing the right thing by staying at home unless absolutely necessary.

"I have not read the book."

Mr McCormack was elected leader of The Nationals in February 2018, after a vote triggered by the resignation of then-leader Barnaby Joyce.

He was re-elected unopposed after the Coalition was re-elected in May 2019. The Nationals did not lose a seat in that poll.