National Party: Littleproud says no change of leader before election

The Nationals won’t be moving on leader Barnaby Joyce following a text critical of Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent last year leaked out.

National Party Deputy Leader and Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud expects his leader Barnaby Joyce to campaign alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison in the federal election campaign after the party opted not to make a move on his leadership position following the latest texting blow up to hit parliament.

Mr Joyce called Mr Morrison a “liar and hypocrite” in a leaked text sent to former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins after her rape claims became public last year.

An offer to resign from Mr Joyce when the damaging texts became public was knocked back by the Prime Minister.

Speaking on ABC Breakfast on Tuesday morning, Mr Littleproud said the Nationals had no appetite for a change of leader following a Monday afternoon party room meeting.

National Party David Littleproud. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“(Mr Joyce) has made it clear he made those comments as a backbencher,” Mr Littleproud said.

“He now works very closely with the Prime Minister. They have daily contact.

“The Nats have had some pretty harsh dealings with the Liberal Party if you think back to net zero negotiations.

“The party room has a steely resolve to get Barnaby.”

Mr Littleproud said reports Mr Morison and Mr Joyce would not be seen together on the campaign trail as a result of the text becoming public was wrong.

“There will be periods where they do,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We have this thing called the ‘wombat trail’ where the Nats traverse regional and rural Australia and pretty well stick to that.

“But the Prime Minister does come to regional and rural Australia during the campaign and I’m sure they will campaign together.”

Originally published as National Party: Littleproud says no change of leader before election