MARANOA MP David Littleproud has hailed out-going leader of the federal National Party the best in living memory.

Barnaby Joyce announced this afternoon he would step down as leader of the party and as Deputy Prime Minister on Monday, after a scandal-ridden month.

Mr Littleproud said in a statement this afternoon, Mr Joyce had been a fighter for those who lived in smaller communities.

"Mr Joyce has been one of the great communicators of our time,” Mr Littleproud said.

"He fought for the people who live on dirt roads, the people in the brick and tile houses and for better opportunities for all.

"Mr Joyce has always been a powerful advocate for rural, regional and remote Australia and will continue to be.”

Mr Littleproud's comment echo the ones of Queensland National senator Matthew Canavan, who labelled Mr Joyce as having "more courage than most”.

"Just a decade ago it was commonly accepted that the Nats would have to merge with the Libs to survive,” Mr Canavan said.

"Within a decade the Nats helped save a Coalition Government from a first term defeat, in part due to Barnaby's strong leadership.”