IN SHORT:

• David Littleproud, 49, has resigned as leader of the National Party, telling reporters at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon that he was "buggered" and had "had enough."
• Littleproud, who led the party since 2022, said he no longer had the energy to continue but would remain as the MP for the Queensland seat of Maranoa.
• A party room meeting will be held later this week to elect a new leader.

David Littleproud has resigned as leader of the National Party, declaring he no longer has the energy to lead and that it is time to hand the party over to someone new.

The 49-year-old made the announcement alongside his wife, Amelia, at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon, saying months of being a "human punching bag" had left him exhausted.

"I'm buggered and I've had enough," Littleproud told reporters.

"I've got to a juncture where I believe it is time. I believe that it is now time to transition to a new leader. It would be wrong for me to say I'm the right person to have the energy. I am out and done."

The Queensland MP, who has led the Nationals since 2022, said he had "done all I can do, and all I want to do" and intends to remain in federal parliament as the member for Maranoa, one of the safest seats in the country, to "throw a few grenades" and enjoy himself.

A party room meeting will be held later this week to elect a new leader. Littleproud notified the Nationals Chief Whip, Michelle Landry, of his decision shortly before the press conference. Littleproud pointed to a turbulent period since the 2025 federal election as a key factor in his decision. He announced in May 2025 that the Nationals would not renew the Coalition agreement with the Liberals over policy, before both parties reunited.

A second split took place in January under his leadership, following a dispute over hate speech laws, before the parties reconciled again.

Fellow Nationals were reportedly blindsided by the announcement, with one senior MP telling The Australian, "I did not see this coming."

Despite the turmoil, Littleproud was defiant about his record, pointing to his opposition to the Voice to Parliament and the Nationals' role in shaping the Coalition's nuclear energy policy.

He said he remained proud of his efforts to represent the 30 per cent of Australians who live in regional areas. "You all told me I was going to be on the wrong side of history during the Voice debate, and you were probably right at that point," he said.

"Only 30 per cent agreed with us. By the end of it, over 60 per cent agreed with us. That's what it means to stand for something." Liberal leader Angus Taylor praised Littleproud, saying he had made a great contribution in four years as leader. "He is a man of his word, he is a man of his handshake," Taylor said.

"I think David is a man of great dignity who has led his party with great energy and commitment." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute, saying the two men shared a mutual respect for the honour of serving in parliament and had been able to work together on issues affecting regional communities and the national interest. Littleproud said with two years until the next federal election and the Coalition relationship restored, now was the right time for a fresh start.

"I love the National Party," he said. "To the day I die I will be green and gold. It's time for me to feel normal again."