Ian Macfarlane defection blocked, but Nats will still win extra ministry

Labor's Matt Thistlethwaite said Mr Macfarlane's attempted defection was symbolic of the "simmering tensions" in the coalition.

Macfarlane said he accepted the decision and will make an announcement on his future in the new year.

"We never thought that would be where the problem arises, because one would think that Queensland getting better representation, that those who voted against this would have beared [sic] this in mind, and said, 'why are we voting against Queensland getting better representation?'" he said.

The LNP Presidrent stated he hopes Macfarlane will be sitting in the Liberal ranks after the next election.

"Obviously I felt I had more to offer regional Queensland and regional Australia, that has not been the view of the LNP and I accept that", he told reporters.

Mr Joyce said the people of Groom overwhelmingly endorsed the move because they understood that the "greater urbanisation of Australian politics" meant regional politicians had less opportunity for advancement.

"John Howard said politics is brutally governed by the rules of arithmetic".

Mr Macfarlane has spent 17 years as a Liberal, 10 as a cabinet minister.

Humiliated Deputy Nats leader Barnaby Joyce has been caught out by the LNP's decision to block the defection of Ian Macfarlane. Alex Ellinghausen

A successful defection would have been seen as a major blow to Mr Turnbull's authority and placed him under pressure to give the Nationals an extra position in the ministry.

"If you're looking for a precedent, no better one can be found than John Winston Howard".

SENIOR Liberal figures say they will welcome Ian Macfarlane back to the fold after his failed bid to join the Nationals.

The decision followed a lengthy meeting with Mr Macfarlane in Brisbane yesterday.

LNP president Gary Spence said state executive's decision was in the best interests of the party "beyond" the Groom electorate.

Senator Matt Canavan is disappointed, telling ABC radio on Tuesday the Nationals still deserve another cabinet spot after an "oversight" in a ministerial reshuffle following Malcolm Turnbull's elevation to Liberal leader. Coalition backbencher Ewen Jones said it was unclear how the Liberal party room would respond to Mr Macfarlane's return.

But he badly miscalculated public and party sentiment when he floated his plan to switch parties.

Mr Macfarlane said he would now consider his future options after speaking to family over the Christmas period but wasn't ready to retire from working yet and as a long-serving resources minister could pursue a future in that sector.

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