Coalition Leadership Tensions Surface as Nationals Seek Shadow Cabinet Spots

Credit: Matt Canavan FB page

LNP Senator Matt Canavan defended Nationals leader David Littleproud against growing leadership speculation Monday, as the Coalition works to reform its partnership following recent internal disputes over policy direction.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce told colleagues he would support ex-rival Michael McCormack if the party leadership was spilled, calling the recent Coalition split "a complete shocker" during morning television appearances.

"I think David did a great job last week standing up for the interests of the Nationals party," Canavan told morning television, firmly rejecting suggestions Littleproud should be concerned about his position.

The Nationals expect to secure six Shadow Cabinet positions when the Coalition reforms, but negotiations have stalled over policy disagreements, particularly regarding net zero emissions targets.

Canavan, who recently challenged Littleproud for the leadership, said the party must debate climate policy after it was imposed as "a captain's pick by Scott Morrison" before the Glasgow conference.

"There was never a debate in a joint party room about net zero," Canavan said. "We should be having that debate because it's costing our country a fortune and we're not going to get to this target anyway."

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