Local Maranoa MP David Littleproud has been elected Deputy Leader of the Nationals at a party room meeting in Canberra earlier today, Tuesday 4 February.
Mr Littleproud is currently Minister for Water Resources but his portfolio may change given the Cabinet re-shuffle likely in the wake of the resignation of Senator Bridget McKenzie at the weekend.
Senator McKenzie was Minister for Agriculture, as well as the Nationals’ now-former deputy leader, and it is possible Mr Littleproud may be shifted back into the agriculture portfolio which he has previously held.
Mr Littleproud’s elevation to the Nationals’ deputy leadership follows a dramatic morning in Canberra where current Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack survived a leadership challenge from Barnaby Joyce.
Canberra is rife with speculation that a second leadership attempt by Mr Joyce could be made in the coming days.
The Nationals have 21 members in the Coalition government, with five senators and 16 MPs including Mr Littleproud, who is himself seen as a potential future Nationals leader.
