David Littleproud has released a statement following his resignation as leader of the Nationals, although he is serving out his term as the member for Maranoa. The party is expected to elect a new leader later this week.
‘Leading this great party has been an enormous honour and privilege, but I have concluded that I am no longer the best person to lead The Nationals,’ said Mr Littleproud.
‘The leader must be able to give everything they have, but after the last few months, I have come to realise that I no longer have the energy required to do this job to the best of my ability. I love The Nationals and regional Australia too much not to give it everything.
‘My colleagues trusted me with their support three times when choosing who should lead The Nationals, and I will be forever grateful. My concern is for the ongoing success and strength of The Nationals. With two years until the next election, and the Coalition relationship now restored and strong, it is the right time to refresh the leadership of The Nationals.
‘Equal to my love of the party, is my love for the people of Maranoa and I am dedicated to continuing to keep fighting for them every day. I look forward to spending more time back in Queensland, helping locals deal with the challenges they face.
‘Leading a political party takes a toll and there is a price paid by those closest to you. I could not have been Leader of The Nationals without the love and support of my family, close friends and staff.
‘Our new Leader will have my support, and I am passionate about working with that person to see The Nationals succeed.’
Challenges
Mr Littleproud went on to say, ‘During my leadership over the past four years, our party has faced some of the most difficult challenges since John ‘Blackjack’ McEwen was Leader. We have fought some tough battles and achieved great outcomes for regional Australia.
‘We led the fight against the Voice to Parliament, led the scrapping of the Coalition’s commitment to Net Zero by developing our Cheaper Better Fairer Energy and Climate Plan, we have secured a commitment for the Regional Australia Future Fund which will deliver up to $1 billion a year in additional funding for regional communities under a Coalition government and secured big stick divestiture powers to crack down on big supermarkets as Coalition policy.
‘In the face of the most devastating election loss in modern times, The Nationals held our incumbent House of Representatives seats, including the most expensive Teal campaign in the country, in Cowper, and achieved a swing of almost 10 per cent to The Nationals, nearly winning the safe Labor seat of Bendigo.
‘I have great faith in Angus Taylor’s ability to lead the Coalition and believe that he is the right person to reconnect the Coalition with the Australian people, with the right plan to restore our standard of living and protect our way of life.
‘I look forward to continuing to work alongside my National Party colleagues with Angus Taylor’s Liberal Party in a strong Coalition opposition.’
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