Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has paid tribute to Nationals leader David Littleproud following his shock resignation from the party’s top job.
“Prior to Question Time today, David Littleproud did me the courtesy of informing me that he would be stepping down as Leader of the Nationals,” Albanese said.
“As has always been the case, we were able to have that genuine and personal conversation with total confidence. I have always valued that and I thank him for it.”
Littleproud, who has led the Nationals for four years, announced his decision after Question Time on Tuesday, describing himself as “buggered” and saying he no longer had the energy to continue as leader.
“To lead this great party would be the wrong thing for me … it would be wrong for me to say I’m the right person to lead it,” he said at a snap press conference in Canberra, standing alongside his wife, Amelia Dobson.
The Member for Maranoa confirmed he would continue to represent his Queensland electorate while spending more time with his family. “It is time for me to feel normal again … I want to spend more time with them,” he said.
Littleproud’s resignation follows a turbulent period for the Nationals, including two splits with the Liberal Party and a collapse in Coalition support. He rose to leadership in 2022 after rolling Barnaby Joyce and has survived multiple leadership challenges himself.
Within hours, Queensland Senator Matt Canavan confirmed he would contest the leadership, praising Littleproud for his “courage” and pledging to promote an “Australia first plan” prioritising fiscal restraint.
Deputy leader Kevin Hogan is also reportedly considering a bid, while other potential contenders include Senators Bridget McKenzie and Ross Cadell, and former leader Michael McCormack.
Albanese added that “David can look back on his four years as Leader of the Nationals and ten years as Member for Maranoa knowing he has given his utmost.”
“I wish him well and I am sure he will continue to make a contribution on the backbench in the service of his regional Queensland electorate.”
State Nationals leaders also paid tribute. NSW leader Gurmesh Singh described Littleproud as leading with “clear direction, collaboration, and passion,” while WA counterpart Shane Love called him a “tireless advocate for regional Australians.”
The resignation sets the stage for a competitive leadership contest as the Nationals seek a new figure to guide the party through ongoing challenges in regional electorates and within the Coalition.
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