Outgoing National Party leader Barnaby Joyce has released a statement saying he is not sad about the party’s decision to elect David Littleproud as its new leader.

“Well I suppose you think I’m sad. Not really,” Joyce said in a video posted online.

“I gave every ounce of my energy to make sure I looked after the people of regional Australia, the people in the small family businesses, the people in the weatherboard and iron, the people on the farms, making sure that we drove the investments to hopefully take their standard of living ahead.”

Joyce also congratulated Littleproud, newly elected deputy leader Perin Davey and re-elected Senate leader Bridget McKenzie.

“They have a mighty task ahead of them and I will give them all the support I can.

“Now, I have a chance to get back to my second greatest love, after my family, and that is my beloved people of New England, where I will have more time to get around my electorate and to be a person of service to them.”

Ahead of the leadership vote, Joyce said he was “sanguine” about being challenged for the position.

“I will let the party room make up its own mind about it. It’s incredibly important. It’s a democracy,” he said.