David Littleproud has resigned as leader of the Nationals, blindsiding colleagues with a shock announcement that he was 'buggered' and lacked the energy to continue. The decision, made after question time on Tuesday, triggers a leadership contest expected before the end of the week.
Senator Matt Canavan and deputy leader Kevin Hogan have already declared their candidacies, with Senate leader Bridget McKenzie and former leader Michael McCormack also tipped to run. The party faces a critical juncture, battling a resurgent One Nation that is outpolling the Nationals in many rural areas.
Littleproud, who has led the party since May 2022, cited exhaustion as his reason for stepping down. 'I'm buggered and I've had enough,' he said, adding that he plans to recontest his Queensland seat of Maranoa at the next election and is open to serving in a shadow ministry.
His tenure was marked by turbulence, including two splits with the Liberals, a collapse in Coalition support, and the defection of former leader Barnaby Joyce to One Nation. Joyce blamed Littleproud for the party's 'existential crisis'.
The Nationals are expected to hold a leadership election before the end of the week, with the winner facing the challenge of reviving the party's fortunes ahead of the Farrer byelection on 9 May.
