Nationals leader David Littleproud is confident other MPs won't follow the lead of Barnaby Joyce and step away from the party amid internal tensions within the coalition.

The former deputy prime minister announced he would quit the party, citing an irreparably broken relationship with the Nationals, and would not recontest his NSW seat of New England at the next election.

The move has prompted speculation the maverick MP will defect to Pauline Hanson's One Nation.

The Nationals leader has made a pitch to Mr Joyce calling for him to stick with the party, but downplayed suggestions other members of his team could be inspired by the potential defection.

"The people that have joined the National Party have joined because of our values, our beliefs and we proved that at the last election b

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