David Littleproud has stepped down as leader of the National Party. Photo: David Littleproud.
David Littleproud has resigned as Nationals leader, saying he’s been a “punching bag” for months and he’s “buggered”.
In a surprise media conference on Tuesday afternoon (10 March), Mr Littleproud appeared with his wife, Amelia, to make the shock announcement,
“I intend to resign as the leader of the National Party,” he said.
“I’ve got to a juncture where I believe it’s time. I believe that it is now time to transition to a new leader.
“I had intended to leave the leadership after the Coalition was reformed, but I thought it was my responsibility to transition into a new leadership and the Coalition and I’m satisfied from what I’ve seen of Angus Taylor, and the way that he has handled himself, that we are now competitive.
“I’m buggered. I’ve had enough.”
But the Queenslander said he would remain in the House of Representatives as the Member for Maranoa.
“I get to go home to my wife, Amelia, and my family and I want to spend more time with them,” he said.
“I don’t intend to retire from parliament. I love the people of Maranoa …
“I want to come back to this place, as I did when I first got into parliament, with that spring in my step, the excitement of coming here, throwing a few grenades, having a couple of beers and enjoying myself, and I haven’t had that for a while.”
Mr Littleproud said the last federal election and the rocky nine months since had taken their toll on him.
Since the 2025 election, the Coalition has split and reformed twice, Barnaby Joyce quit the Nationals to join One Nation while citing irreconcilable differences with Mr Littleproud, and Nationals MP Colin Boyce challenged for the leadership.
The outgoing leader said he couldn’t sleep for days after the election.
“I’ve never had that trauma in my life before,” Mr Littleproud said.
“And then it just, it just kept going and I wanted to fight for the people and make sure that what I’d fought for in the last term wasn’t lost …
“I love the National Party. I grew up in it. I’ll bleed it till the day I die. Green and gold.
“I love it, and it would be wrong for me to say that I’m the right person to continue to lead.”
Mr Littleproud also played a key role in bringing down Sussan Ley as Opposition leader and says her replacement is the right person to lead the Liberal Party and the Coalition to the next election.
“The values and principles that Angus has brought back to the Coalition gives me confidence that the Coalition is on the right track,” Mr Littleproud said.
But he would not say who he thinks should replace him as Nationals leader.
Deputy leader Kevin Hogan, Nationals Senator Matt Canavan, who has previously contested the leadership, and former leader Michael McCormack are among those thought to be considering a tilt at the top job.
Mr Taylor described Mr Littleproud as a man of his word and a “man of his handshake”.
“David is a man of great dignity who has led his party with great energy and commitment,” the Opposition Leader said.
“I know he will continue to support the National Party, the Coalition and this great country. And I thank him for his extraordinary service.”
Mr Littleproud, who was first elected to Federal Parliament in 2016 and has led the Nationals since May 2022, informed his staff of his decision not long before his media conference.
He also informed Anthony Albanese just before Question Time.
The Prime Minister subsequently issued a statement to describe Mr Littleproud as “genuine and personal”.
“I have always valued that and I thank him for it,” Mr Albanese said.
“David and I come from very different political traditions and backgrounds, but we share a mutual respect for the great honour of serving in the Parliament of Australia and have been able to work together on many issues affecting his community, the regions and our national interest.
“It is a significant achievement to be chosen to lead your party, and David can look back on his four years as leader of the Nationals and 10 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.”
National Party president Andrew Fraser also issued a statement thanking Mr Littleproud for his service.
“He has led the party through a challenging period and has delivered great policy outcomes for regional Australia,” Mr Fraser said.
“David has worked 24/7 for the last four years for the people of Australia while also being a great local MP.
“He has been an approachable and accessible leader to everyone in regional Australia, members of the public and party members alike.”
Original Article published by Chris Johnson on Region Canberra.
