David Littleproud announces intent to challenge Barnaby Joyce for Nationals Party leadership

Maranoa MP David Littleproud has ended speculation and confirmed he will challenge Barnaby Joyce for the leadership of The Nationals. Here’s what he had to say:

Just a week after the coalition was decimated at the ballot box, David Littleproud has ended speculation and confirmed he would be challenging Barnaby Joyce for the leadership of The Nationals Party.

The Maranoa MP, and current deputy leader, made the announcement late in the afternoon on Saturday, May 28.

In a brief statement posted online, Mr Littleproud said he had advised Mr Joyce of his intention, and thanked him “for all his service to our party”.

“I feel this is the appropriate time to put myself forward for my party room’s consideration as their leader,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Ultimately, this is a decision on who will lead The Nationals to the 2025 election.”

David Littleproud MP greets Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Jacinta Nampilinpa Price (Senate candidate for Northern Territory). Picture Brad Hunter, Office of the Deputy PM

It comes after the former agriculture minister lashed colleagues suggesting the coalition should move further right in response to the bruising electoral defeat.

Coalition MPs and senators, including Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan blamed the election loss on the coalition chasing progressive votes.

This is despite the moderate wing of the Liberal Party being decimated by independents who criticised the Liberals for failing to hold the conservative wing in-line, and the Nationals suffering swings against sitting MPs.

Mr Littleproud warned against the right wing lurch “panic”.

“History shows that you don’t win elections by chasing extremities,” he said.

“What Australians want is a sensible centre. That’s where you win elections.”

David Littleproud speaking to the media in the Press Gallery in Parliament House in Canberra.Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

He also singled out Senator Canavan for particular criticism over the senator’s campaign against Net Zero.

“What did hurt was Matt Canavan’s comments around Net Zero being dead,” he said.

“It wasn’t just Liberal seats, I can tell you it was National Party seats that also went back … like Cowper where we had a 10 per cent swing (against us), we nearly lost Nichols.

“While we respect in our party room, you can have a divergent view, prosecuting them in the middle of election campaign is not smart.”

Victorian MP Darren Chester has also indicated he would be nominating for the leadership position, and its believed former leader Michael McCormack was also considering nominating.

Originally published as David Littleproud announces intent to challenge Barnaby Joyce for Nationals Party leadership