Barnaby Joyce's grip on the Nationals leadership could be slipping, as colleagues encourage his deputy David Littleproud to mount a challenge when the party meets in Canberra as soon as Monday.
The ABC understands Mr Littleproud has not been actively canvassing his colleagues but has the support of almost half of them.
Privately Mr Littleproud's backers say he is the best person to "unite the party" as the Coalition tries to rebuild itself in opposition.
They have also said Mr Joyce has told them he would consider stepping aside in 18 months to make way for a new leader.
Mr Joyce still enjoys strong support in the party room with former resources minister Keith Pitt publicly backing him to remain as leader, and several others telling the ABC they are "struggling" to find a reason for change.
Mr Joyce told the ABC he will "definitely" nominate for the leadership, even if there is a challenge. But he stressed he was "completely at ease with the democratic process."
"We need someone tough to negotiate the Coalition agreement and I've proven I can do that," he said.
"Don't forget that people voted for us on the premise that I would be there after the election. And we held all our seats."
But he indicated he was open to standing aside down the track once the "hard work" had been done.
"I want to see my sons grow up. I didn't get to see my young daughters grow up."
Backbencher Michael McCormack, who was ousted as leader last year, had been considering a tilt but colleagues have told him it is time for a "fresh start", likely giving Mr Littleproud a clear run if he declares his candidacy.
The National party spills its leadership positions after every federal election and typically the existing leader is re-elected unopposed.
But the party is again divided on issues such as climate change and the Coalition's net zero policy, especially after the overwhelming support for teal independents at the weekend's election.
Mr Littleproud has been one of the party's stronger advocates for action on climate change and established a biodiversity stewardship program designed to reward farmers for looking after the land.
New South Wales senator Perin Davey stopped short of declaring who she would support in a ballot but said "it will be interesting to see who puts their hands up".
Mr Joyce has said his party's formal support for Australia's net zero target is up for discussion, while Queensland senator Matt Canavan continues to argue against the target.
But Nationals Gippsland MP Darren Chester has said the party should bear some responsibility for the losses of Liberal seats in city electorates where teal independents claimed a vote for the Coalition was a vote for Barnaby Joyce.
The Nationals held all 16 of their lower house seats in the election — a reason Mr Joyce has cited for keeping him in the top job — but suffered swings against them in several electorates.
