Littleproud Steps Down as Nationals Leader, Says He’s ‘Done’

Nationals Leader David Littleproud has announced he is stepping down from leadership, declaring he is “buggered” and ready to hand the regional party to a new leader.

The Queensland-based MP made the emotional announcement on March 10, standing beside his wife just minutes after Question Time ended.

Littleproud said he believed it was time for the Nationals to move on.

“I had intended to leave the leadership after the Coalition was reformed, but I thought it was my responsibility to transition into a new leadership in the Coalition,” he told reporters in Canberra.

The Nationals leader revealed that he struggled to cope with pressure following the Liberal-National Coalition’s devastating defeat in the 2025 federal election.

“I have been a punching bag for months. I don’t really give a rats, but at some point you … have to be honest with yourself,” he said.

“I’m buggered. I’d have enough.”

Despite stepping down, Littleproud said he still wanted to remain in parliament and rediscover the enthusiasm he once had.

“But I still love coming to this place, and I want to come back to this place, as I did when I first got into parliament with that spring in my step, the excitement of coming here, throwing a few grenades, having a couple of beers and enjoying myself, and I haven’t had that for a while, and if I can’t do that, then I’m not going to be at my best,” he added.

Littleproud first entered parliament in 2016, representing the vast Queensland seat of Maranoa, one of the safest conservative electorates in the country.

He rose to lead the Nationals in 2022 after the Coalition’s election defeat. His tenure, however, has been marked by ongoing internal tensions as the party struggles to chart a path through an increasingly divided electorate.

Over the past nine months the Coalition endured two prolonged splits from the Liberal Party over policy disputes. The clashes also contributed to Sussan Ley’s short-lived opposition leadership.

In November, former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce defected to One Nation.

Littleproud himself also endured a leadership challenge from fellow Nationals MP Colin Boyce.

A day later, outspoken Senator Matt Canavan won the leadership ballot against Kevin Hogan and Bridget McKenzie.

‘I Love the National Party’: Littleproud 

In his remarks, Littleproud said stepping aside was about doing what was best for the party.

“I love the national party. I grew up in it. I’ll bleed to the day I die, green and gold,” he said.

“That’s tough for me to say I think someone better can do it, because I don’t have the energy. I’m out on my feet, and I’m done.”

However, Littleproud said he was proud of what he had achieved so far.

“I’m proud of us recapturing our identity for who we are and what we stand for that 30 percent of Australians who live outside a capital city that don’t get a voice in here unless someone’s got the guts to do it,” he said.

“I did it with The Voice [referendum]. I did it with divestiture [legislation], nuclear energy, with Universal Service Obligation reform, the regional Australia Future Fund, [and] net zero.”

Coalition on Right Track under Taylor: Littleproud

At the same time, Littleproud said the Coalition was now on the right path under new Liberal leader Angus Taylor.

“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 gives me confidence that the Coalition’s on the right track. He’s a man that will be a great prime minister for this country.”

The outgoing National leader said he now wanted to spend more time with his family while thanking his wife Amelia for her support.

Littleproud’s resignation adds another twist to a volatile period for the Australian opposition.

Weeks earlier, Ley resigned from federal parliament on Feb. 27 after losing the Liberal leadership.

Ley’s departure ends her 25-year parliamentary career and triggers a by-election in her seat of Farrer in New South Wales, which could be lost to competitive Teal and One Nation candidates.