‘Shambles’: spill push mars Nationals’ Canberra return
The fallout from the Coalition’s latest spectacular split will culminate with the National team backbencher trying to undermine David Littleproud’s leadership.
Queensland MP Colin Boyce will try to trigger a motion against the National Party leader on Monday as politicians flock to Canberra for the return of federal parliament.
Many National members think the motion cannot trigger a vote on Mr Littleproud’s leadership because it would need the support of a colleague in the party hall.
“David is the leader of this team and I am confident he will have the trust of the chamber,” Sen. Matt Canavan said Sunday.
Speaking to reporters at Canberra Airport later in the day, Mr Littleproud said the search should have been carried out in the party room.
Mr Boyce has previously said he would put himself forward for the leadership and urge the coalition to reunite, warning the party would otherwise “head over the political cliff”.
The national leader will meet embattled Opposition Leader Sussan Ley following a motion for talks to reform the coalition following the second divorce in 12 months.
Ms Ley had previously announced that she would form an interim shadow cabinet comprising only Liberals, giving the National Party a week to decide whether the split would be permanent.
If the parties do not reconvene by the second session week, the Liberals plan to appoint six of their MPs to the shadow cabinet and two to the shadow ministry of foreign affairs.
Speculation was swirling about whether Ms Ley’s job was also under threat, despite West Australian standby Andrew Hastie removing himself from contention on Friday.
His decision could pave the way for Conservative rival Angus Taylor, who has not ruled out vying for the opposition’s top job despite sitting in the front row.
But a leak against Ms Ley is unlikely to happen in the first session week, as the Liberals seize the opportunity to target the government over an expected rate hike on Tuesday.
Shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien said: “There’s a job to do, and that’s to save Australians who start 2026 knowing prices are rising.” he said.
“There will be discussions about whether we will pursue these issues as a unified coalition or separately.”
Health Minister Mark Butler said he expected it to be “an uproar on the other side of parliament”.
“Angus Taylor is still behaving as if he were a shadow minister while plotting against his own leader,” he said.
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