MARANOA MP David Littleproud has been demoted by the new Leader of the Nationals, Senator Matt Canavan, less than a week after giving up the top job with the junior Coalition partner.
Mr Littleproud shocked the political world when he called a snap media conference in Canberra, telling journalists he was “buggered” and vacating the leadership after four years at the helm.
The decision stunned most observers including civic leaders in the South-West.
The subsequent Nationals party room meeting voted to install Senator Canavan, a strong advocate for state support for Australian manufacturing, mining and energy, as Mr Littleproud’s replacement.
Since then, Senator Canavan, based in Rockhampton, has taken over the Coalition’s trade portfolio and given Mr Littleproud, a one-time agribusiness expert in Charleville, a more junior position.
“David will continue to serve the Nationals team as Shadow Minister for Emergency Services and Tourism, both areas that he is well familiar with in his beautiful electorate in western Queensland,” Senator Canavan said in unveiling his new-look team.
Mr Littleproud, 49, took over the Nationals’ leadership in 2022 after successfully challenging Barnaby Joyce, who also once worked in Charleville and is now with One Nation.
PHOTO: Maranoa MP David Littleproud…demoted after throwing in the towel as Leader of the Nationals.
POSTED: Tuesday, March 17 2026