David Littleproud has announced he is stepping down as leader of the Nationals, telling reporters he has reached a point where it is “time to transition to a new leader” and saying the job has taken a heavy personal toll.
Standing alongside his wife, Amelia, in Canberra, the Queensland MP said he was “buggered” and that continuing to lead the party would be “the wrong thing for me to do”. He confirmed he will remain in Parliament as the Member for Maranoa, saying he still loves representing his electorate but does not believe he can do that properly while carrying the burdens of the leadership.
Littleproud said the aftermath of the last federal election was deeply distressing for him, describing it as “traumatic” and saying he did not sleep for days. He told the press conference he has been a “punching bag” for months and that it had reached a point where he needed to reset.
Amelia Littleproud said it had been “a real battle” to get her husband back into the right headspace and that he needed to “recharge the batteries” at home with his family in Maranoa. Littleproud also became emotional when speaking about his staff, saying he had already shared “a few tears” with them.
Party room caught off guard as succession scramble begins
The resignation appears to have caught many within the Nationals by surprise, with reports that even some MPs were unaware it was coming and that there had been no clear succession plan in place.
Several names are now being canvassed as possible successors, including Queensland Senator Matt Canavan — who has previously challenged for the leadership — former Nationals leader Michael McCormack and deputy Kevin Hogan.
The leadership spill comes at a sensitive time for the party, with continuing internal tensions following repeated instability in the broader Coalition arrangement over the past year. The Nationals have also faced mounting electoral pressure in parts of regional Australia, including from One Nation in some seats, while sections of the Liberal Party remain frustrated about the Nationals’ role in past Coalition ruptures.
Albanese and Taylor pay tribute
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Littleproud had informed him of the decision before Question Time and thanked him for what he described as a respectful working relationship, despite their political differences. Albanese said Littleproud could look back on his time as leader and as the Member for Maranoa “knowing he has given his utmost”.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor also paid tribute, describing Littleproud as a “man of his handshake” and crediting him with shaping Coalition policy in recent years. Taylor said he was pleased Littleproud would remain in Parliament and continue fighting for regional Australia.
What happens next
Littleproud has led the Nationals since 2022 and has been one of the Coalition’s most prominent regional voices through successive policy battles and internal party turbulence.
The Nationals party room is expected to meet soon to elect a new leader, with colleagues now weighing who can steady the party, manage Coalition dynamics, and prosecute the next election from the bush and regions.
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