Nationals leader David Littleproud has canvassed dumping support for net zero emissions by 2050, which would cause a schism with its Coalition partner and pose a further challenge to whoever wins Tuesday’s ballot for the leadership of the Liberal Party.

Littleproud repeatedly refused to commit to net zero after he staved off a challenge from Queensland Senator Matt Canavan who ran on the basis that the party abandon the commitment. Recognising that a significant minority of the Nationals party room is opposed to net zero, Littleproud said that the party would collectively decide whether to keep it as policy.