Canavan new leader of the Nationals

Queensland LNP Senator Matt Canavan has taken over the leadership of the Nationals after edging out the deputy leader for the party’s top job.

The former staffer to Barnaby Joyce edged out former deputy leader Kevin Hogan and Senate leader Bridget McKenzie in a partyroom ballot on Wednesday morning, following the shock resignation of David Littleproud.

Darren Chester was elected the new deputy leader.

Canavan focused on differentiating himself and his party from One Nation in his first press conference, emphasising that the Nationals are a grassroots party.

“That means a great deal to our many of thousands of members.”

“If you read their constitution, they are not [a grassroots party],” he said.

Mr Littleproud shocked colleagues as he announced he would step down from the regional party’s top job on Tuesday with little notice, declaring he was “buggered” and didn’t have the energy to continue as leader.

But the Queensland MP will continue representing his seat of Maranoa and has said he’s willing to remain on the coalition front bench.

Mr Littleproud said he was feeling like a “million dollars” after stepping down, telling reporters on Wednesday morning he’d had his best sleep in eight months.

Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey said David Littleproud has been a strong leader for The National Party.

“Being a leader of any party requires dedication and an enormous amount of time, and David has fulfilled that role with commitment and dignity,” Chaffey said.

“I welcome the news that he will remain as the Member for Maranoa – the northern neighbour to the electorate of Parkes and I would like to thank David for his guiding role during my first 10 months as the Federal Member for Parkes.”