But a federal government source said this was not the case. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has accused federal Nationals leader Michael McCormack of deliberately hampering his bid to run for Federal Parliament in an extraordinary text message. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison was asked if Mr McCormack had raised any concerns with him about Mr Barilaro. Senior colleagues in the state Nationals said they were left blindsided by Mr Barilaro's "sudden decision not to run". Mr Morrison also dismissed any concerns over the spat between the two Nationals' leaders in the lead-up to the byelection. You never will be," the message said. "To feel threatened by me clearly shows you have failed your team and failed as a leader. "I have always supported the democratic election processes of the National Party. "Your lack of public enthusiasm or support for my candidacy went a long way to my final decision," Mr Barilaro said in a text message sent to Mr McCormack on Monday. A source close to Barilaro confirmed the Deputy Premier had sent the message to McCormack. Mr Barilaro revealed on Monday that he would not contest the federal byelection, which comes after Labor MP Mike Kelly was forced to resign from Parliament due to ill-health. After leaving school he worked on the factory floor of his family's business. The source said the Nationals would have received an extra cabinet spot had Mr Barilaro won. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has accused federal Nationals leader Michael McCormack of deliberately hampering his bid to run for Federal Parliament in an extraordinary text message. Instead, Mr Barilaro's state cabinet colleague and friend Andrew Constance said he would run for the Liberals in the marginal seat. Mr Barilaro told Mr McCormack that he had "failed your team and failed as a leader". A source close to Barilaro confirmed the Deputy Premier had sent the message to McCormack.Credit:AAP, Alex Ellinghausen. He has campaigned within his local community for a high school for the growing suburb of Jerrabomberra, and helped found the Monaro Panthers Football Club, before serving for eight years as its club president. Mr Morrison said "no". A source close to Mr Barilaro confirmed the Deputy Premier had sent the message and said the federal leader's attitude played a "big part" in Mr Barilaro's decision. You aren't. Before entering politics, he managed Ryleho, a business that manufactures energy-efficient timber windows and doors. I wholeheartedly endorse the right of branches to select their local candidates first and foremost," Mr McCormack said. 'You failed as a leader': Barilaro's message to McCormack. Alexandra Smith is the State Political Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald. Nothing. "Don't hide behind the 'members will choose the candidate rubbish', as you were the only one saying such lines.". Hope you are proud of yourself.". One minister told the Herald: "We were all expecting him to go.". You will never be acknowledged by me as our leader.