The Member for Riverina issued a statement late on Friday confirming he would stand for the top job at a party room meeting on Monday.

He is the bookies’ favourite to become the new Deputy Prime Minister after a party room meeting in Canberra.

“On Monday, I will ask my colleagues to back me for the leadership of The Nationals, so together we can work to grow local economies, increase local opportunities and create local jobs. We can do this together as a united team,” Mr McCormack said.

“I want to acknowledge Barnaby Joyce for his leadership of The Nationals over the past two years and thank him for being a true advocate for the needs of regional areas. His legacy will endure. I wish him well for the future.”

Mr Joyce resigned on Friday, after almost three weeks of controversy which began with news that the Deputy Prime Minister was expecting a baby with a former staff member, who had also been shuffled in and out of high-paying jobs in the offices of two of his colleagues.

Senator John Williams has already public backed Mr McCormack for the top job, as has Parkes MP Mark Coulton.

Asked by journalists on Friday whether Mr McCormack would make a good National Party leader, Senator Williams said: “I think he would”.

“There’s probably several others as well. Michael’s always been a good mate of mine, works hard, well presented, and does his job well, but there’s probably several who could do the same job,” the senator said.

Mr Coulton told Fairfax Media that Mr McCormack was the man for the job.

“I have known Michael for a long time and I believe he’s the person we need at this point,” he said.

“He’s a very strong person and a hard worker … a very strong personality and well-regarded among colleagues but has also done a good job in various roles over the years.”

In his statement, Mr McCormack described himself as a “fighter”.

“I am a fighter and I have the drive to deliver. When water rights were challenged in my electorate, I crossed the floor to get a better deal. When a big American company came knocking to take over GrainCorp, I stood up for our farmers and opposed it,” he said.

“Regional communities are the bedrock of Australia and The Nationals reflect this with strong representation and positive outcomes on issues which affect our local communities.

“As I said in my inaugural speech to Parliament in 2010: “I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak.”