Barnaby Joyce has failed to rule out a future return to the Nationals leadership but insists another challenge to Michael McCormack will not happen.
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Mr McCormack - the deputy prime minister - defeated Mr Joyce on Tuesday after a spill triggered a vote during a meeting in Canberra.
Mr Joyce said "no one" would rule out leading their party at some stage before arguing another challenge would not happen.
"I have got no intention whatsoever to be challenging anybody for the leadership," he told ABC radio New England.
"People say, 'never ever would you ever consider standing?' No you can't do that because you just don't know what will happen in the future.
"But I'm glad this issue's been dealt with; the boil has been lanced and you move on."
He said he would support Mr McCormack and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Mr McCormack says he believes Mr Joyce's assurances he won't try to topple him again.
"I take people on their word. Always have, always will, particularly country people," he told Sky News.
"He's not going to get the job back and he said that himself."
The deputy prime minister said he had been endorsed as leader for the third time in two years.
"We need to draw a line," he said.
"We need for people to understand that we are sent here to do the job for them, not to be talking about ourselves, not to be seeking self-promotion."
A rump of Nationals colleagues are unhappy with Mr McCormack for failing to cut through with regional voters and struggling to stand up to the Liberal Party on policy issues.
Mr McCormack could face another challenge if his performance does not improve.
Mr Joyce said the Nationals needed a leader willing to get a "blood nose" fighting for regional Australia.
"The National Party must be strong, resolute and talk with its own voice," he said.
He called for the party to be dynamic and strong, stressing the importance of differentiating from the Liberals.
Mr Morrison is also confident Mr Joyce won't launch a second strike.
"He said he's not challenging again," the prime minister told the Nine Network.
"The media might want to talk about it but I think Barnaby ruled a line under that pretty clearly yesterday."
Queensland frontbencher David Littleproud was elected deputy Nationals leader, replacing Victorian senator Bridget McKenzie after she quit over the sports rorts scandal.
Mr McCormack is open to Senator McKenzie making a comeback to the ministry after serving time on the back bench.
"I look forward to Bridget working hard for regional Victoria in her Senate role and coming back later down the track."
Australian Associated Press
