Nationals leader Matt Canavan will run for the lower house seat of Capricornia at the next federal election, a move that could set up a showdown with One Nation's James Ashby, who is rumoured to be considering a bid for the same seat.
The announcement follows the retirement of sitting MP Michelle Landry, who said last month she would not recontest the Queensland seat.
Canavan confirms his intention
Speaking to the Courier Mail on Monday, Canavan said the goal is to keep the seat and help change the government.
"The issue is we need to keep this seat to change the government, and I want us to continue to deliver for Central Queensland," he said.
"I don't think you'll be surprised by this announcement but I'm not going to die wondering. I may very well die politically, but I'm not going to die wondering. I'll give it my all."
One Nation's potential challenge
James Ashby, Pauline Hanson's chief of staff, is rumoured to be considering a run for the seat, which could lead to a major contest for regional seats.
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said One Nation should focus on Labor-held seats if it is serious about taking on the Labor Party.
"If One Nation is really serious about firing the liar, then they need to start running in Labor Party seats instead of running against someone like Matt Canavan," she told Nine's Today show.
"(I'm) not afraid of a fight - I want to save our country, and that means changing the prime minister, and that means taking Labor Party seats."
Landry, based in Rockhampton, announced her decision to retire from politics last month and not to recontest her seat at the next election.
