The leader of the National Party of Australia, David Littleproud, has resigned from the party’s top job, saying he no longer has the energy to continue in the role.
Littleproud announced the decision at Parliament House Canberra on Tuesday afternoon following question time.
“I’m happy to serve in whatever capacity, but I haven’t got the energy to lead,” he said.
The Queensland MP bluntly summed up his decision, telling reporters he was “buggered”.
Nearly four years in charge
Littleproud has led the Nationals since May 2022, when he took over the leadership following the Coalition’s federal election defeat.
He entered federal politics in 2016, winning the seat of Maranoa, and later served as agriculture and water resources minister in the former Coalition government.
Despite stepping down as leader, Littleproud confirmed he will remain in parliament representing the regional Queensland electorate.
Coalition tensions
Littleproud’s leadership coincided with a turbulent period for the conservative opposition.
Following the 2025 election, tensions between the Nationals and the Liberal Party of Australia led to two temporary splits between the Coalition partners.
His tenure was also marked by internal upheaval within the party.
Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce shocked the Coalition by defecting to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in December 2025.
Earlier this year Littleproud survived a leadership challenge from fellow Nationals MP Colin Boyce.
Leadership race expected
The Nationals are expected to hold a party-room vote before the end of the week to elect a new leader.
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said Littleproud had informed him of the decision earlier on Tuesday.
“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,” Albanese said.
Opposition leader Angus Taylor also paid tribute to Littleproud’s time as Nationals leader.
“David has made a great contribution as the leader of the party since 2022,” Taylor said.
