Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who has made no secret of wanting to return to leadership, challenged McCormack.

The attempted coup was sparked by the resignation of party deputy leader Bridget McKenzie following the federal government's sports grants affair.

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Mr Gee confirmed via social media on Monday that he would be supporting the incumbent.

"I'm supporting Michael tomorrow," he posted.

Votes in, McCormack survived the challenge and David Littleproud became deputy leader.

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"I'm glad that the leadership issue has been resolved and that we can put it behind us, because we've got important issues to deal with," Mr Gee said.

"The energy and work of the parliament and the nation needs to be directed at getting our communities through the bushfire recovery and also the devastating effects of this drought.

"The first and last duty of an MP is to make life better for the people we represent and that's what I'm very focused on."

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