Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie has been unsuccessful in his bid to become deputy leader of the National party.
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The position became vacant with the resignation of former agriculture minister Bridget McKenzie on Sunday, February 2.
She resigned over the sports rorts scandal that had engulfed the coalition government.
Dr Gillespie won the federal seat in 2013 following the retirement of Rob Oakeshott. He contested the seat three years earlier and despite losing the seat made headway with an 11-point swing.
Over the past seven years, Dr Gillespie has held various positions within the coalition government including serving as the assistant minister for rural health and for children and families.
He openly criticised National's leader Michael McCormack's leadership in the lead up to the spill motion.
"He needs to do more than the bush-regional media. When you're in a leadership position you've got to do the national stuff as well," Dr Gillespie told reporters.
But Dr Gilliespie's bid for higher honours fell at the final hurdle when Queensland frontbencher David Littleproud was elected deputy Nationals leader, defeating Dr Gillespie and Queensland backbencher Keith Pitt in a leadership ballot.
Dr Gillespie was circumspect about the result.
"You put your hand up, that's the way the Westminster system works," Dr Gillespie said.
The Lyne MP said he was confident in Michael McCormack's leadership.
"The leader has our full support," he said.
"Both positions were filled by capable people."
Dr Gillespie said he "couldn't see" another challenge to Mr McCormack's leadership.
Mr Littleproud said it was time to get back to work.
"The shenanigans are over," he said.
"It's time to get back to looking after those people that are facing drought, that have faced up to the fires. It's time for us to focus on them, not us."
Michael McCormack repelled a leadership challenge from Barnaby Joyce who insists he won't have another crack at bringing down the deputy prime minister.
Joyce, the tough-talking former Nationals leader, had promised to go harder against the Liberals in cabinet, fanning a persistent criticism of McCormack.
Senator Matt Canavan - a Joyce supporter, had also flagged a greater focus on coal-fired power under a Joyce leadership.
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