Matt Canavan and Kevin Hogan have declared their candidacies for the Nationals leadership after David Littleproud resigned, citing exhaustion. The party is expected to hold a leadership election before the end of the week, with Senator Bridget McKenzie and former leader Michael McCormack also likely to nominate.
Littleproud announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying he was 'buggered' and lacked the energy to continue. He informed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Liberal leader Angus Taylor beforehand, but many Nationals MPs were caught off guard. Littleproud plans to retain his Queensland seat of Maranoa and may serve in a shadow ministry under the next leader.
The Nationals face a critical juncture, with One Nation gaining ground in rural areas. The upcoming Farrer byelection on 9 May will test the Coalition's popularity against Pauline Hanson's party. Littleproud's tenure saw splits with the Liberals, a collapse in Coalition support, and the defection of former leader Barnaby Joyce to One Nation.
Joyce criticised Littleproud for leaving the party in an 'existential crisis'. Canavan stated he offers the best chance to deliver an 'Australia first' plan, while Hogan confirmed he was approached by colleagues to run. The leadership race underscores the Nationals' struggle to maintain relevance amid rising competition from One Nation.
