Liberal frontbencher Christopher Pyne has thrown his support behind Barnaby Joyce becoming the next leader of the Nationals.

Mr Joyce has again declared he will be a candidate if current leader and Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss decided to stand down.

Mr Truss is expected to make an announcement on his political future in the coming weeks, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull holding off a frontbench reshuffle until then.

Mr Pyne today joined a number of Coalition members in backing Mr Joyce, describing the outspoken MP as "focused".

But he told Channel Nine the decision will ultimately come down to the Nationals party room and Mr Truss.

"If he does stand down, the National Party if they choose Barnaby Joyce — which I seem to think they will, given the publicity recently — he will be an excellent Deputy Prime Minister," he said.

"He has a focused view on creating jobs, particularly in rural and regional Australia.

"In terms of his handling of the agricultural portfolio, it is booming."

But Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie dismissed the leadership talk as "media speculation".

Speaking to the ABC, she refused to name who she would be backing for the role and described the current leader as "fabulous".

She said the Nationals had a "sensible and stable, traditional approach to leadership transition".

"I think Australia is very, very well served by Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss at the moment," she said.

Acting Opposition Leader Penny Wong yesterday questioned Mr Joyce's suitability as the potential leader, while Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese today said that the prospect of Acting Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was "scary".

"Australia would get a lot more attention internationally, given his propensity for gaffes," he said.