Update 11/03/26 10:21 am ACDT

Matt Canavan has been elected the new Nationals leader in a party room meeting, with Darren Chester elected as Deputy.

After a four-year stint at the helm of the National Party, David Littleproud MP has stepped down, saying it is time for someone new to take the reins.

Speaking to the media on 10 March, Littleproud told reporters, "I'm buggered, I've had enough," revealing that he had intended to resign after the Coalition reunited earlier this year.

"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," he said in his official statement.

Mr Littleproud has been the leader of The Nationals since May 2022, when he successfully defeated Barnaby Joyce in a post-election ballot.

"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," he said on Tuesday.

Mr Littleproud also reflected on his "faith in Angus Taylor's ability to lead the Coalition".

"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."

His resignation as leader has sent shockwaves through the party, leaving the question of leadership unclear until later this week, when a party room meeting will be held.

Senator Matt Canavan and deputy leader Kevin Hogan have already announced their plans to contest the leadership. Former leader, Michael McCormack and Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie are also potentially in the mix to take up the mantle.

Mr Littleproud's leadership saw him lead the Coalition's successful fight against Labor's Voice to Parliament, push for the Coalition's commitment to Net Zero to be scrapped, champion nuclear energy and embed a commitment for the Regional Australia Future Fund in the Coalition Agreement.

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

Sources: David Littleproud MP Facebook, FarmOnline, ABC

Featured Image Source: David Littleproud MP Facebook