The Nationals are expected to induct Liberal MP Ian Macfarlane into the party on Thursday. Macfarlane reportedly communicated to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull his decision to defect on Wednesday. The defection from the party would be second in the line since Tony Abbott was ousted from the office.

The move comes as a surprise on the last day of the parliament before the summer breaks, as Turnbull is faced with the pressure of ousting the Special Minister of State Mal Brough over former Speaker Peter Slipper’s diary controversy.

According to a line of thought making rounds amongst the Nationals, if Macfarlane joins the junior Coalition party, it will not only give the dumped politician an opportunity to return to the ministry, but also allow him become the deputy leader under Barnaby Joyce after Warren Truss retires.

Queensland Liberal MP Steven Ciobo described Macfarlane’s move as an attempt to revive his political career.

“He clearly was aggrieved that he wasn’t kept in cabinet, felt he had more to give and saw this as a pathway to get back into the ministry,” Ciobo told Sky News. “This isn’t about Malcolm Turnbull, this isn’t about the government; this is about a decision one particular person has taken because clearly he sees it as a pathway back to the ministry.”

Macfarlane has been a close ally of Turnbull and has remained in his support since the 2009 leadership contest. But lately, Turnbull has been looking for renewal. The defection will be a blow to the prime minister, as he will be losing a member of his own team.

The Australian Financial Review reported that two more Liberals have contacted the Nationals and are willing to follow suit. They have been given time till the meeting to decide before they take action.

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