National Party: Darren Chester and Anne Webster declare leadership intentions

Darren Chester and Anne Webster will aim to unseat the current Nationals leaders this Monday and give Victoria “a seat at the table”.

Victorian Nationals Darren Chester and Anne Webster have declared their intention to run for the party’s two leadership positions in the wake of the Coalition’s defeat at last weekend’s election.

Mr Chester, who won increased support in his electorate of Gippsland, has confirmed he will challenge Barnaby Joyce for the top job in a party-room vote on Monday.

Mallee MP Anne Webster won a second term in office last Saturday.

Ms Webster, who also improved on her vote in Mallee, will be standing for the deputy position, which has been held by Queenslander and former Agriculture Minister David Littleproud.

“It’s really important that we have not just Queensland and northern NSW (leaders), but Victoria does get a seat at the table,” she said.

“It’s important that the diversity of interests and views in our constituencies are represented in leadership.

“My No.1 focus is regional communities, specifically Mallee, and I would welcome the opportunity.”

The last woman to occupy the Nationals deputy position was former NSW Senator Fiona Nash.

Gippsland MP Darren Chester will challenge Barnaby Joyce for the Nationals leadership on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

Mr Chester has stated the lukewarm support from Mr Joyce and Queensland Senator Matt Canavan for the Coalition’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050 contributed to Liberal defeats by teal independents in inner-city seats in Melbourne and Sydney.

“Days on pre-poll getting told on a regular basis that ‘we like the work you do, but can’t vote for you because of your leader made me consider the need for change,” Mr Chester said.

“Then the hundreds of emails, phone calls and messages urging me to run this week convinced me that regional Australians want a change.

“It remains to be seen whether the party room is hearing the same messages from voters across the nation.”

Barnaby Joyce and David Littleproud.

He said the party also had to be more attractive to female and younger voters.

“For the Nationals to connect better with younger and female voters in the future, we need to recognise the diversity of views in our regional areas and I believe I can do that,” he said.

Former Nationals leader Michael McCormack and Mr Littleproud have also been linked to a run at the top job.

Meanwhile, Farrer MP Sussan Ley has also confirmed she would be standing for the Liberal deputy leadership role.