David Littleproud re-endorsed for safe Queensland seat of Maranoa

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has been re-endorsed for his safe Queensland seat.

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud at a press conference. Picture: Kym Smith

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has been re-endorsed for his safe Queensland seat of Maranoa, amid speculation that the rising talent could be frustrated by factional opponents.

The news emerged as Scott Morrison refused to protect a prominent NSW Liberal senator, retired army general Jim Molan, despite saving outspoken backbencher Craig Kelly from a looming preselection challenge.

Mr Littleproud, a potential future Nationals leader, last week became the final sitting Queensland MP to be endorsed after his preselection was skipped over by the LNP’s State Council in November.

The affair sparked concerns that his place would be hindered by allies of influential Nationals senator Barry O’Sullivan, who have accused the Agriculture Minister of sabotaging the senator’s preselection.

Mr Littleproud has emphatically denied marshalling votes for businesswoman Susan McDonald, who successfully challenged Senator O’Sullivan for a safe spot on the LNP’s Senate ticket last July.

LNP sources denied Mr Littleproud’s preselection was ever in real jeopardy, claiming his preselection was simply a lower priority than those candidates in marginal electorates. However, some of Mr Littleproud’s detractors were glad to see the process strung out.

Senator Molan, who was relegated to the unwinnable fourth position on the NSW Coalition Senate ticket, today indicated he would not be saved by Mr Morrison.

“This afternoon, I have been told that I can expect no special intervention from the Prime Minister regarding the order on the Senate ballot,” Senator Molan said.

“I will continue to work hard for veterans, national security, and the people of Australia.

“I intend to run as a Liberal in the next election so that those that support me can vote for a Liberal from a conservative base.”

Senator Molan placed behind disability advocate Hollie Hughes and former federal Liberal Party acting director Andrew Bragg when preselectors gathered in NSW last month.

Conservatives have argued Senator Molan, an architect of the Coalition’s hard line asylum seeker policy, should be saved from losing his seat due to his military expertise.

Mr Morrison intervened to save Mr Kelly and all sitting lower-house MPs in NSW after Mr Kelly refused to rule out defecting to the crossbench and further eroding the government’s grip on power.

Mr Littleproud had been unanimously recommended for endorsement in Maranoa, which the Nationals have won at every election since 1943.

He was promoted to cabinet straight from the backbench in December last year, and made waves as Agriculture Minister by savaging his own department’s handling of scandals that were jeopardising the sustainability of the Australia’s live export trade.

Mr Littleproud told The Australian he welcomed his endorsement.