Emotional David Littleproud steps down as leader of the National Party

David Littleproud has stepped down as leader of the National Party in an emotional press conference, saying it is time for someone new to take the reins.

Flanked by his wife, Amelia, Mr Littleproud revealed he was exhausted and had intended to resign after the Coalition reunited for a second time in months earlier this year. 

The Queenslander will continue to serve in parliament as the member for Maranoa and said he intended to contest the next federal election in 2028. 

"I'm buggered, I've had enough," he told reporters after Question Time this afternoon. 

"I love the National Party. I grew up in it. I'll bleed it till the day I die. Green and gold. I love it, and it would be wrong for me to say that I'm the right person to continue to lead."

Nationals MPs seemed genuinely shocked by the announcement and it is unclear who is most likely to replace him, with a by-election in the NSW seat of Farrer scheduled in May. 

Senator Matt Canavan and deputy leader Kevin Hogan have announced plans to contest the leadership.

Mr Littleproud broke down in tears as he spoke to reporters, disclosing it had been "pretty rough" since the Coalition's devastating election loss last year. 

"I've never had that trauma in my life before. And then it just, it just kept going and I wanted to fight for the people and make sure that what I'd fought for in the last term wasn't lost," he said. 

"I have been a punching bag for months. I don't really give a rat's, but at some point you … have to be honest with yourself."

Mr Littleproud has helmed the minor party since 2022 when he took the job from Barnaby Joyce, who went on to leave the party and join One Nation.

It was not the only defection on Mr Littleproud's watch.

Calare MP Andrew Gee quit the Nationals to join the crossbench over the party's position on the Voice referendum and, later, Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price jumped ship to the Liberal Party. 

Following Mr Littleproud's announcement, Mr Joyce said the outgoing leader had "to take responsibility for where the National Party has fallen to". 

While he said the question of a replacement leader was a matter for the party, he offered a piece of advice: "My tip: pick your best players, not your best friends to sit on your frontbench."

Resignation follows two Coalition splits

Mr Littleproud's resignation comes just weeks after a leadership spill against him failed to get up, spurred by the second Coalition split in less than a year. 

After weeks of negotiations, the Liberals — under former leader Sussan Ley — and the Nationals reunited last month. Days later, Ms Ley was ousted and replaced by Angus Taylor, who Mr Littleproud praised on Tuesday. 

"I'm satisfied, from what I've seen of Angus Taylor and the way that he has handled himself, that we are now competitive again," he said.

"The values and principles that Angus has brought back to the Coalition give me confidence that the Coalition is on the right track."

Mr Taylor paid tribute to his outgoing counterpart, describing him as a "man of great dignity" who had led his party with energy and commitment.

"Whether it's in nuclear policy, or whether in fact it's in the referendum, or in many, many other areas ... David has played a crucial role," he said.

"I've watched that, I've seen that, and it is a great legacy that he has made that contribution over that time period."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also wished Mr Littleproud well.

"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 and have been able to work together on many issues affecting his community, the regions and our national interest," he said in a statement.