Nationals MP Colin Boyce to Challenge David Littleproud for Party Leadership
Nationals MP Colin Boyce has declared he will move a motion to spill the party's leadership next week, positioning himself as a contender against current leader David Littleproud. The Queensland MP has issued a stark warning that the Nationals are "committing political suicide" by ending the Coalition, arguing this course will lead the party over a "political cliff."
Leadership Challenge Announced Amid Coalition Turmoil
Boyce confirmed his intention to challenge Littleproud during an interview with Sky News on Tuesday, stating he would formally move the spill motion at Monday's party room meeting. The Flynn MP expressed grave concerns about the Nationals' decision to quit the Coalition following Deputy Liberal Leader Sussan Ley's acceptance of resignations from three senators who crossed the floor to oppose Labor's hate speech laws.
"I will be moving a spill motion on Monday afternoon in the National party room to give my colleagues an option," Boyce stated. "The reality is, if they follow the course they're on now, we are going over the political cliff."
Colleagues Dismiss Challenge Prospects
Despite Boyce's bold move, fellow Nationals MPs have immediately dismissed his prospects of success. Multiple sources within the party indicate Littleproud retains strong support among colleagues, though there is acknowledged internal unrest over his role in what represents the second Coalition blow-up within eight months.
Former Nationals leader Michael McCormack told media outlets that while he was aware of Boyce's dissatisfaction with the Coalition split, he believed Littleproud's position remained "fairly safe" regarding numbers. McCormack did note that colleagues who lost shadow cabinet positions following the Coalition breakdown had suffered pay cuts and reduced resources, which could potentially impact leadership dynamics.
Wider Political Implications and Speculation
The leadership challenge comes amid broader political speculation, including potential challenges to Sussan Ley's position when federal parliament resumes. Conservative contenders Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie have yet to declare their intentions regarding any leadership moves within Liberal ranks.
Boyce has raised significant concerns about the Nationals' future as a standalone party, warning of a "right-flank onslaught from One Nation" at the next election. The Queensland MP noted he had observed a "huge surge" in support for the right-wing party within his central Queensland electorate, though he firmly denied any intention to defect to One Nation himself.
"There's lots of people say to me, you know, you should join One Nation and so forth," Boyce acknowledged. "That's not happening for me. I am a member of the LNP. I am obligated to do the best I can for the LNP and indeed, the National party in Canberra."
Internal Party Dynamics and Anonymous Concerns
Another Nationals MP, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Boyce lacked sufficient support within the party room to successfully challenge Littleproud. However, the MP acknowledged widespread dissatisfaction with the current situation between Coalition parties and noted some internal anger directed at Littleproud's actions during the recent political crisis.
It remains unclear whether additional contenders might emerge alongside Boyce during Monday's meeting. Sources indicate that Matt Canavan, who previously challenged Littleproud unsuccessfully following the election, is not expected to contest the leadership this time.
The decision to quit Ley's frontbench en masse was made during last Wednesday's Nationals partyroom meeting, a gathering Boyce did not attend according to confirmed sources. The Queensland MP was absent from all meetings during what has been described as a chaotic week in Canberra politics.
As the Nationals prepare for their leadership showdown, McCormack expressed disappointment at the ongoing internal focus, stating: "It's unfortunate that we continue to prosecute these arguments and talk about ourselves instead of the bread and butter issues." The coming days will determine whether Boyce's challenge gains unexpected traction or confirms colleagues' predictions of its likely failure.
