Nationals consider split from the Coalition ahead of leadership vote
Some members of the Nationals are considering whether it would be beneficial to part ways with the Liberals as the party prepares to vote on its next leader.
One Nationals source told The Australian that stepping away from a Coalition agreement would give both parties time to find their own ground.
Others are concerned the party could lose relevance if it cuts ties with the Liberal Party.
This comes as the Nationals will decide whether or not David Littleproud will remain as the party’s leader on Monday.
So far, Senator Matt Canavan is the only person who is publicly challenging him for the job.
“I think the Australian people deserve a choice, a proper choice – I don’t think we got that at the election because I felt, especially in the Nationals Party, we pulled our punches,” he said.
“Sometimes we explicitly decided to turn the volume down on our party and ultimately futile attempt to help the Liberals win seats in the city – that strategy didn’t work, so we need a new plan.”
