David Littleproud firming up as favourite in three-way fight for Nationals’ leadership

The Coalition could have a Queensland-based duo in the top spots amid speculation David Littleproud may win Nationals leadership, but there are growing fears the contest could spell disaster for an already-divided party.

A Queensland-based leadership duo could end up in charge of the Coalition amid growing speculation David Littleproud may emerge victorious in a three-cornered fight for the Nationals leadership.

But some fear the second Nationals leadership contest in less than a year could leave the junior Coalition more “violently divided” than ever, as clear lines of support based on issues like climate emerge for and against Barnaby Joyce and David Littleproud.

Former Agriculture Minister David Littleproud could be the next Nationals leader. Picture: Lee Robinson.

All 21 members of the Nationals will meet in Canberra on Monday to decide if Mr Joyce, Mr Littleproud or Gippsland MP Darren Chester should lead the party.

The Liberals are also set to meet for the first time since last week’s devastating loss, with Peter Dutton and Sussan Ley expected to be locked in as leader and deputy leader unopposed.

Mr Littleproud, the former Agriculture Minister, voted for Mr Joyce when he challenged Michael McCormack for the Nationals leadership last June.

But the Maranoa MP confirmed over the weekend that he would challenge Mr Joyce on Monday, with the Nationals spilling the position as they do at the start of each parliamentary term.

Barnaby Joyce is in a three-way battle to retain leadership. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Andrew Taylor

The vote for Nationals leadership is set to come down to the wire, with three MPs who voted for Mr Joyce last year — Queenslanders George Christensen, Ken O’Dowd and NT’s Sam McMahon — replaced by new blood, creating uncertainty.

A backer of Mr Joyce said Mr Littleproud would have to look for support outside of Queensland and to “the left” of the party — a section they dubbed the “moderate Nats”, where “everything is about climate”.

“I think (the vote) will cause more grief, the room will be split again,” the Nationals politician said.

“I don’t know (how we get back together) that is part of the challenge.”

Mr Littleproud last week criticised Mr Joyce’s close ally Matt Canavan’s push for the Nationals to become more conservative in the wake of the Coalition’s election defeat, saying: “History shows that you don’t win elections by chasing extremities.”

Peter Dutton is expected to be locked in as the next Liberal leader unopposed.

There were also several Nationals on Sunday who believed Mr Littleproud would get over the line, in a change they hoped would allow the party to heal after years of leadership tensions.

A Liberal-aligned politician said it was the right time for the Nationals to spill its leadership, while another feared the junior Coalition member would emerge “violently divided” regardless of the outcome.

Mallee MP Anne Webster, who will nominate to be deputy leader, said it was important Victoria was represented in the Nationals leadership team.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, ahead of the expected confirmation of Mr Dutton as Liberal leader, said he would not underestimate his opponent and asked the Opposition “respect the mandate” Labor has.

Originally published as David Littleproud firming up as favourite in three-way fight for Nationals’ leadership