David Littleproud has resigned as leader of the Nationals, citing exhaustion and a lack of energy to continue. The announcement, made alongside his wife Amelia after question time on Tuesday, blindsided many colleagues who were not informed beforehand. Littleproud said he had notified Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Liberal leader Angus Taylor ahead of the press conference.
Littleproud, first elected in 2016 and leader since May 2022, described himself as "buggered" and said he no longer had the energy to lead. He intends to stay in politics and recontest his Queensland seat of Maranoa at the next election, not ruling out a shadow ministry role under the next leader. His tenure saw two splits with the Liberals, a collapse in Coalition support, and the loss of several MPs including Barnaby Joyce to One Nation.
A leadership contest is expected before the end of the week, with Senator Matt Canavan and deputy leader Kevin Hogan already declaring their candidacies. Senate leader Bridget McKenzie and former leader Michael McCormack are also likely to run, creating a potential four-way race. The party faces a critical juncture amid a resurgent One Nation, which is outpolling the Nationals in many rural areas.
Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce criticised Littleproud, saying he must take responsibility for the "existential crisis" he left the party in. Canavan praised Littleproud's service and said he believed he had the best chance to deliver an "Australia first" plan. Hogan confirmed he had put his hand up after being approached by colleagues.
