Blow to Coalition as Barnaby Joyce backer Llew O’Brien quits Nationals

Queensland MP Llew O’Brien has quit the Nationals in a new blow to Coalition unity.

The Wide Bay member advised Scott Morrison of his decision on Sunday night, The Courier-Mail reported. Picture: Jessica McGrath

Queensland MP Llew O’Brien has quit the Nationals in a new blow to Coalition unity in the wake of Barnaby Joyce’s failed bid to win over the party leadership last week.

The Wide Bay member advised Scott Morrison of his decision on Sunday night, The Courier-Mail reported.

The Prime Minister reportedly granted the right for Mr O’Brien to stay in the LNP, but he will not sit in the Nationals or Liberal partyrooms. He will still give the Morrison government supply.

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce. Picture: AAP

It means the Coalition government will keep its two-seat majority, but Mr O’Brien will likely cross the floor on a number of bills, including Attorney-General Christian Porter’s national anti-corruption commission. Mr O’Brien is believed to want the commission to have more teeth to fight corruption.

Mr O’Brien is frustrated with several issues, including a looming matter allegedly involving Nationals’ use of travel entitlements and taxpayer money.

The Courier-Mail reported that Mr Joyce, for whom Mr O’Brien voted in last week’s spill, tried to talk his colleague out of his decision to quit.

Mr O’Brien’s decision will likely embolden Mr Joyce and others further.

While Dawson MP George Christensen has a good relationship with Mr Morrison, he is also close to Mr O’Brien, Mr Joyce and senator Matt Canavan, who quit cabinet last week.