Nats set to dump leader David Littleproud, MPs say

The National Party looks set for another leadership change, with opponents of David Littleproud increasingly confident he is on borrowed time. The next question is who would replace him.

Exclusive: The National Party looks set for another leadership change, with opponents of David Littleproud increasingly confident he is on borrowed time.

If Mr Littleproud were to be challenged, the two most likely candidates are former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce and former resources minister Keith Pitt.

Mr Pitt has been a strong advocate for nuclear energy.

Mr Littleproud, who ­replaced Mr Joyce after last year’s election, has been the subject of internal criticism ­recently over his relationship with Liberal leader Peter ­Dutton.

MPs have also accused him of losing his temper with his colleagues and staff.

MPs take objection to David Littleproud’s manner with staff and the way he is “dominated” by Liberal leader Peter Dutton. Picture: NCA NewsWire

A senior National Party source said it was now only a matter of time before Mr Littleproud was challenged.

“It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when,” the source said.

A National MP agreed a challenge to Mr Littleproud was increasingly likely, saying there was no doubt he had lost confidence with his colleagues.

But the claims have been rubbished by Mr Littleproud’s supporters.

“This is the calmest I’ve seen things since (Warren) Truss’s time,” another MP said.

The Sunday Telegraph has been told that Mr Littleproud’s behaviour towards staff has angered some MPs, with the leader gaining a reputation among some for “flying off the handle”.

“His treatment of people in general and particularly staff is concerning particularly in the current environment,” an MP said.

A number of National Party MPs also expressed discontent over Mr Littleproud’s relationship with Mr Dutton, saying the Liberal dominates him.

Last Thursday, Mr Dutton led a debate in parliament on the Voice but no National MP was given space to speak, a move that angered a number of their MPs.

Mr Dutton is understood to be a strong supporter of Mr Littleproud staying in his post.

One National source claimed there was no doubt that the leader no longer had the numbers but said the debate internally was now about who would replace him.

But another MP, not a supporter of Mr Littleproud’s, said they still thought he would win if he were challenged.

“I don’t think much has changed but I could be wrong,” the MP said.

Another MP, a supporter of Mr Littleproud’s, blamed the chatter on Mr Joyce.

“He will never give up trying to come back as long as he’s there,” the MP said.

Mr Littleproud has not yet ­responded to The Sunday ­Telegraph’s questions.