2026 National Party of Australia leadership election
11 March 2026
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Leadership election | |||||||||||||||||
18 caucus members of the National Party 10 votes needed to win | |||||||||||||||||
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Deputy leadership election | |||||||||||||||||
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A leadership election was held on 11 March 2026 to elect the leader of the National Party of Australia. Senator Matt Canavan was elected, replacing David Littleproud. The election was held after the resignation of Littleproud from the leadership. A deputy leadership election was held concurrently, with Darren Chester being elected.
Background
On 10 March 2026, David Littleproud resigned from the leadership of the National Party, to the surprise of many.[1] He stated his struggle with his leadership position since the 2025 federal election as "rough", describing himself as a punching bag.[2] During Littleproud's tenure as leader, the Coalition was dissolved and re-united twice,[3] deepening tensions between the Liberal and National parties.
Candidates
Party members who declared their intention to run for the leadership included Senator Matt Canavan, incumbent deputy leader Kevin Hogan, and Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie.[2][4] It was previously speculated that former leader Michael McCormack would run for the leadership. In the party room, McCormack did not decide to run for the leadership.[5]
Victorian MP Darren Chester was the only party member who declared himself a candidate for the deputy leadership as a result of Hogan running for the leadership; Chester was elected unanimously.
Results
Matt Canavan won the leadership election. Darren Chester was elected deputy leader to replace Kevin Hogan.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Grattan, Michelle (10 March 2026). "View from The Hill: David Littleproud quits as Nationals leader, declaring 'I'm buggered'". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ a b Truu, Maani and Evans, Jake (10 March 2026). "Emotional David Littleproud steps down as leader of the National Party". ABC News. Archived from the original on 10 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ^ Coorey, Phillip (22 January 2026). "This split could be end of the Coalition as we have known it". Australian Financial Review. Opinion. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ^ Butler, Josh; McIlroy, Tom; and Jervis-Bardy, Dan (10 March 2026). "Nationals MPs jockey for top job after 'buggered' David Littleproud resigns as leader". Guardian Australia. Archived from the original on 10 March 2026. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
- ^ a b Jervis-Bardy, Dan (11 March 2026). "Matt Canavan elected new leader of the National party". Guardian Australia. Archived from the original on 11 March 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
Further reading
- Gould, Courtney and Boscaini, Joshua (10 March 2026). "David Littleproud steps down as Nationals leader, coy on who should replace him — as it happened". ABC News. Retrieved 10 March 2026.