'This is healthy': Nationals leader David Littleproud welcomes challenge
Nationals leader David Littleproud is backing his record to hold on to the federal party’s top job as he faces a challenge from a fellow Queenslander.
The minor coalition party faces a leadership tussle after Queensland senator Matt Canavan threw his hat in the ring.
Mr Littleproud welcomed the challenge, applauding his colleague for having the courage to put up his hand.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We shouldn’t get upset about democracy taking place,” he told Nine’s Today Show on Sunday.
“This is healthy for our democracy.”
Mr Littleproud backed in his record to retain the leadership, which he has held since May 2022, after challenging former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce following the coalition’s election loss.
The Liberal-National coalition again suffered a significant loss on May 3, with Labor holding a strong majority in the House of Representatives.
Mr Littleproud’s pitch on his record includes leading the ‘No’ campaign on the Voice to Parliament, calling for nuclear energy and pushing for divestment to stop supermarkets from “taking advantage” of farmers.
“I’m proud of my record. I’m comfortable in my own skin, but it’s the partyroom’s decision,” he said.
“Whatever happens, happens, but I’m still committed to the National Party and all that we’ve done and all that we will achieve.”
Mr Canavan put himself forward for the role on Friday after praising Mr Littleproud’s time as leader, but argued the party needed to bring back its “fighting spirit”.
He said he would scrap the Nationals’ support for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and call for new housing supply and economic development in the regions if chosen as leader.
Mr Littleproud said the leadership spill process would hopefully result in a strong opposition but should be resolved by the end of this week to “get on with the job”.
The Liberal Party will also choose a new leader after Peter Dutton was dumped from his long-held Queensland seat of Dickson at the polls.
Deputy leader Sussan Ley and shadow treasurer Angus Taylor have confirmed their candidacies for a partyroom vote due on Tuesday.
