‘Bruised egos’ behind reports Nationals leader David Littleproud at risk of losing top job

A couple of ‘bruised egos’ have been blamed for fresh reports Barnaby Joyce is eyeing off a challenge to the Nationals leadership.

David Littleproud has shrugged off claims his head is on the chopping block amid reports his Nationals opponents are counting the numbers against him.

The Nationals leader, who replaced Barnaby Joyce after the last election, is facing internal criticism over his relationship with Liberal leader Peter Dutton, and his treatment of staff — according to the Sunday Telegraph.

Mr Joyce and former resources minister Keith Pitt are reportedly the most likely candidates to mount a challenge.

Speaking with Nine, Mr Littleproud played the rumours down to a “couple of bruised egos” but said he’d ultimately cop it if the party room decides to remove him.

“We're all on borrowed time in politics. Don’t worry about that. No matter your political party,” the Queensland MP.

“Uh, look, it’s a couple of bruised egos, but look, it’s the, it’s the behest of the party room and I’ve never taken anything for granted being the leader.

Mr Littleproud put the rumours down to a couple of ‘bruised egos’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“It’s the greatest honour I’ve ever been given to lead the party that I joined 25 years ago and whatever the party room decides, I accept, but while I’m the leader, I’m just going to focus on my job about not just holding the government to account, but being constructive where I can.”

Mr Littleproud stressed Australians would prefer the focus be on them rather than on internal party squabbles.

“If others want to focus on me well good, but I’ll just keep going until, till my, till my time comes,” he added.

Asked about the claims he had “lost his temper” with colleagues and staff, the Nationals leader said it was “all in the beltway”.

“Obviously in Parliament House, there are different opinions. There’s a number of things and we always, uh, we always try to express them,” he added.

“That's how parliament operates. I don’t get caught up in those types of things at all.”

Mr Littleproud defeated Mr Joyce and former minister Darren Chester for the Nationals leadership in May last year. Mr Joyce had hoped to stay on in the top job.