Former Nationals Leader Michael McCormack has hosed down suggestions MPs could quit the party or defect to One Nation and called on his colleagues to show loyalty to their electorates and branch members.

The National Party was thrown into turmoil on Saturday after another former leader, Barnaby Joyce, announced he would not be standing for re-election in the seat of New England at the end of the current term.

It came amid rampant speculation Mr Joyce was in advanced talks to join One Nation amid reports its leader, Pauline Hanson, was trying to convince a range of high-profile Coalition figures to defect to her party, including Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan and Nationals MP Colin Boyce.

On Monday, Mr Joyce swatted away questions about a potential switch to One Nation yet ref

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