Nationals MP Colin Boyce to Challenge David Littleproud for Leadership
Nationals MP Colin Boyce has declared he will move a motion to spill the party's leadership at a meeting next week, positioning himself as a contender against current leader David Littleproud. The Queensland MP for Flynn made the announcement during a television interview, stating the party is headed towards a "political cliff" following its decision to end the Coalition with the Liberals.
Leadership Challenge Amid Coalition Turmoil
Boyce told Sky News on Tuesday that he would formally propose the leadership spill during Monday's party room gathering, offering colleagues an alternative direction. He argued that the Nationals are "committing political suicide" by operating as a standalone party after quitting the Coalition. This move came after Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley accepted the resignations of three senators who crossed the floor to oppose Labor's hate speech legislation, prompting the Nationals to leave the frontbench en masse in solidarity.
The Flynn MP warned that without Coalition support, the Nationals face significant challenges including reduced fundraising capabilities, loss of staff resources, and a potential "right-flank onslaught from One Nation" at the next election. He noted observing increased support for the right-wing party in his central Queensland electorate, though he denied plans to defect himself.
Colleagues Dismiss Challenge Prospects
Immediate reactions from within the Nationals party room suggest Boyce's challenge is unlikely to succeed. Multiple colleagues have dismissed his prospects, expressing confidence that Littleproud retains majority support despite internal discontent over his handling of the Coalition breakdown. This marks the second major Coalition fracture within eight months, creating ongoing tension between the traditional partners.
Former Nationals leader Michael McCormack acknowledged Boyce's dissatisfaction but believed Littleproud's position remains "fairly safe." However, McCormack noted that colleagues who lost shadow cabinet positions following the Coalition split have suffered pay cuts and resource reductions, which could influence leadership dynamics.
"I'm disappointed that we are where we are because it could have been so easily avoided," McCormack told Guardian Australia. "It's unfortunate that we continue to prosecute these arguments and talk about ourselves instead of the bread and butter issues."
Absence from Critical Meetings
Sources confirmed that Boyce did not attend last Wednesday's party room meeting where the decision to quit the Coalition was made, nor other gatherings during what has been described as a chaotic week in Canberra. This absence has raised questions about his engagement with the party's internal processes during the crisis period.
Another Nationals MP, speaking anonymously, agreed that Boyce lacks sufficient party room support for a successful challenge. The MP suggested that while "nobody" within the Nationals is satisfied with the current Coalition situation, and some harbor anger toward Littleproud's actions, this discontent may not translate into leadership change.
Broader Leadership Speculation
The Nationals leadership spill confirmation occurs alongside speculation that Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley might also face challenges when federal parliament resumes. However, Ley's allies remain doubtful about any imminent challenge, with potential conservative contenders Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie yet to declare their intentions.
Within the Nationals, former leadership challenger Matt Canavan is not expected to contest Monday's spill, according to Guardian Australia sources. Canavan previously unsuccessfully challenged Littleproud following the last election.
The leadership contest highlights ongoing instability within conservative politics as both major right-of-center parties navigate their relationship following the Coalition's effective dissolution. The outcome will significantly influence the Nationals' strategic direction ahead of the next federal election.
