The Nationals are a very different party to the Coalition partner of Howard’s era.
Susan Ley and David Littleproud may achieve peace for now, but the week’s events have entrenched a wariness between the Coalition partners and within the Nationals themselves. Michaela Pollock
On Thursday, an hour before David Littleproud agreed to reconsider his decision to abandon the Coalition, the Nationals leader was preparing to unveil a frontbench of his own.
Nicknamed the “shadow, shadow ministry” because it would have had the same minuscule status as the Greens’ frontbench, a key appointment was to be dissident Queensland Senator Matt Canavan, who just over a week before challenged Littleproud for the leadership.
Phillip CooreyPolitical editorPhillip Coorey is the political editor based in Canberra. He is a two-time winner of the Paul Lyneham award for press gallery excellence. Connect with Phillip on Facebook and Twitter. Email Phillip at pcoorey@afr.com
