Littleproud Survives Nationals Leadership Challenge

David Littleproud has retained his position as federal leader of the Nationals after surviving a leadership challenge from Senator Matt Canavan in the wake of the party's electoral defeat. Kevin Hogan was elected as deputy leader, while Bridget McKenzie continues as Senate leader. Canavan, backed by Barnaby Joyce allies, failed to secure enough support for his platform of stronger opposition to climate targets and scrapping the net zero emissions goal. Tensions within the party were heightened by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s defection to the Liberal Party, where she is expected to seek a leadership role. The Liberal Party is also facing leadership uncertainty, with Sussan Ley, Angus Taylor, and Tim Wilson among the potential candidates. Both Coalition parties are navigating leadership and policy challenges following their election losses.