Nationals leader Warren Truss has told colleagues that he will make an announcement about his future by the end of the March parliamentary sitting period.
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In the clearest signal yet that generational change in the National Party is imminent, Mr Truss told the first party room meeting of the year that he was not happy about the ongoing speculation about his future.
Several Nationals sources told Fairfax Media that the Deputy Prime Minister said the speculation about what he might or might not do, in terms of retirement, was unhelpful and hindered the country party's ability to get out its message and talk about its election year program.
As such, the 67-year-old told his colleagues that he would make clear his plans by March 17, when Parliament rises.
There was no further discussion about the future of the Nationals' veteran leader during the meeting.
Asked about Mr Truss's comments, Nationals whip Mark Coulton told Fairfax Media that he was "disappointed that any word has gotten out of the room to you, that has been our strength in the Nats, that we don't leak".
"The speculation is unhelpful when we have a program and we are getting on with the job."
The comments come after weeks of speculation that the Deputy Prime Minister is poised to retire, and as his deputy Barnaby Joyce and junior minister Michael McCormack jostle for position as successor.
Though Mr Truss could bring forward his announcement, it is expected he will remain until the bulk of the work of the expenditure review committee is done before the May budget.
Mr Joyce is considered the front runner to replace Mr Truss, but Mr McCormack does have boosters in the party too.
Nationals MPs Luke Hartsuyker and Darren Chester are said to have a chance of taking the deputy's post.
Earlier this week, Mr McCormack told Fairfax Media when asked if he would challenge Mr Joyce that "at some point in time Warren will call it a day and at that time I will weigh it up".
"I would be humbled to have my photo in the Nationals party room alongside the 12 other leaders we have had," he said, adding that, " I've not been canvassing numbers or counting numbers, or seeking views from people".
