Bill English insists he will continue leading the National Party as speculation mounts there could be fallout over the election loss.

The former Prime Minister’s response comes after Newstalk ZB’s political editor Barry Soper said that numbers are being counted for a possible replacement, and English is expected to quit.

However, English denied this, saying today: "I'm focused on leading National back into government and I'm giving a speech today outlining how we are going to do that, including the party's focus for the year ahead and how we will hold this Government to account."

Earlier on ZB, Steven Joyce also denied the claims and said that there is no coup, a sentiment being picked up by his colleagues.

Invercargill MP Sarah Dowie conceded there has been "some talk", but insisted the caucus was united.

"Everyone is behind Bill, everyone is behind [deputy leader] Paula [Bennett], we're just focused on policy," she said today.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye ruled herself out of standing for leadership and expressed full confidence in English and Bennett.

Senior MP Gerry Brownlee said "of course" when asked if he backed English.

Tim MacIndoe said he had "absolute faith" in National's leadership team.

New Tukituki MP Lawrence Yule said had not heard any talk of a leadership change and he believed the leadership team was secure.

He thinks this is merely a natural reaction to the election result.

"I just think this is what happens in politics and I've led enough organisations to know there's always murmurings in the background."

Deputy leader Paula Bennett, whose position is also in doubt, said she has no intention of stepping down and she does not expect a challenge.

"We are a strong opposition who are focused on holding the Government to account," she told the Herald this morning.

Asked if she was considering stepping down, she said: "Of course not."

However, political analyst Bryce Edwards told Heather du Plessis Allen that Bill English has fulfilled his role as a caretaker and now National needs a new fresh face.

He said that in these days of modern politics, people want fresh, young, inexperienced leadership.

"In the past, the voters actually expected experience, they wanted old people as leaders and Prime Ministers. These days, we want kind of outsiders and fresh leaders to come in, which is why Jacinda Ardern has done so well."

- with content from NZ Herald