Nationals firebrand elected leader in three-horse race

MATT Canavan has been elected Nationals leader after David Littleproud’s shock resignation.

The firebrand senator edged out former deputy leader Kevin Hogan and Senate leader Bridget McKenzie in a partyroom ballot on Wednesday morning.

Darren Chester was elected the new deputy leader.

Mr Littleproud shocked colleagues as he announced he would step down from the regional party’s top job on Tuesday with little notice, declaring he was “buggered” and didn’t have the energy to continue as leader.

But the Queensland MP will continue representing his seat of Maranoa and has said he’s willing to remain on the coalition front bench.

Mr Littleproud said he was feeling like a “million dollars” after stepping down, telling reporters on Wednesday morning he’d had his best sleep in eight months.

Consistently poor polling showing Pauline Hanson’s One Nation overtaking the coalition in voter support has shaken the Nationals, who fear a wipe-out at the next federal election.

Seats in regional Queensland and NSW are considered particularly at risk, threatening a number of electorates held by the Nationals.

The rural party failed to win back the seat of Calare at the 2025 election to independent Andrew Gee, who quit the Nationals over their opposition to the Indigenous voice to parliament.

Firebrand Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price also defected to the Liberal Party following the federal election defeat.

MPs pay tribute to Littleproud’s leadership

In a statement to media, Cowper MP Pat Conaghan said he was “saddened” by Mr Littleproud’s decision to step down.

“While today’s announcement from David Littleproud came as a surprise, I understand his reasons and respect his decision,” he said on Tuesday.

“David has given the Party’s top job absolutely everything he has over the past four years, and I want to sincerely thank him for his determination and dedication on behalf of all regional Australians.”

Member for Coffs Harbour and NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh said Mr Littleproud had led with “clear direction, collaboration, and passion”.

“David’s time as Federal Leader will be marked by his advocacy on behalf of regional Australians, even when policy and politics were incredibly difficult to manage.

“The Nationals movement in NSW thanks David for his service since coming to the leadership.”

By Dominic GIANNINI, Zac DE SILVA and Tess IKONOMOU, AAP