David Littleproud defeats Barnaby Joyce to become National Party leader

Former Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has been elected leader of the federal National Party, defeating Barnaby Joyce.

Nationals leader David Littleproud flanked by Senate leader Bridget McKenzie and deputy leader Perin Davey after the Nationals partyroom meeting at Parliament House in Canberra today.

The Nationals’ third leader in less than 12 months, David Littleproud, has promised the party will occupy the “sensible centre” in its quest to help the Coalition win back government in three years.

The former Agriculture Minister toppled Barnaby Joyce and Gippsland MP Darren Chester in a three-way party room vote today after the Coalition’s election loss nine days ago.

Conargo NSW-based Senator Perin Davey was elected deputy leader in another three-way contest involving Mallee MP Anne Webster and Kevin Hogan.

Mr Littleproud, 45, has represented the rural Queensland seat of Maranoa since 2016 and was an agribusiness banker before entering politics.

He said the rise to leader was the “proudest day of his professional life” and his focus was fixed firmly on winning the next election from the “sensible centre”.

“The National Party proved that when we signed up to net zero by 2050,” he said.

“This is about us understanding that while we held onto our seats there are emerging challenges and threats.

“This is us as a party moving forward, not lurching to the left, not lurching to the right, but bringing this thing called commonsense to Canberra.”

Mr Joyce, who rolled Michael McCormack as Nationals leader last June, congratulated Mr Littleproud and Senator Davey on their new roles.

“I suppose you think I am sad. Not really,” he said.

“I gave every ounce of my energy to make sure that I looked after the people of regional Australia, the people in the small family businesses, the people in the weatherboard and iron, the people on the farms, making sure that we drove the investments to take their standard of living ahead.”

Mr Chester, who was first eliminated in the leadership ballot, said he was confident Mr Littleproud and Senator Davey had the “skills, energy and experience” to unite the Nationals.

“I believe our party needs to do more to connect with younger and female voters, and fully reflect the diversity of our regional communities,” he said.

“Australians need a calmer, moderate and more respectful political debate.

“I have no regrets about nominating for the leadership. I would rather take a risk in life and fail, than not try at all.”
Mr Joyce served as Nationals leader between February 2016 and February 2018 before returning last year.

Senator Davey, whose father Peter was a former Nationals federal director, said the new look leadership team represented “the future”.

“In 2019 we held all our seats under Michael McCormack, this year we held all our seats under Barnaby Joyce and next time we will hold all our seats and some under David Littleproud,” she said.

Victoria’s Bridget McKenzie remains the Nationals leader in the Senate.