Nationals Senator Matt Canavan has confirmed he will again contest the leadership of the party, announcing his candidacy shortly after David Littleproud resigned as leader.

In a statement on Tuesday, Canavan paid tribute to Littleproud’s service, saying he held ‘great respect’ for the outgoing leader.

‘He led the charge to defeat the divisive Voice to Parliament and put us in a winning position just a year ago,’ he said. 

‘He also helped shift the LNP’s stance on net zero to a more common-sense energy policy,’ Canavan said.

He added that Littleproud ‘has lots more to offer our party and the nation’ and said he looked forward to working with him in the future. 

Canavan, who unsuccessfully challenged for the leadership last year, confirmed he is putting his hand up once more.

‘Last year I ran for Leader of the Nationals, and I plan to run again now,’ he said.

He acknowledged the personal cost of political leadership, expressing understanding for Littleproud’s decision to step down.

Matt Canavan (right) has announced that he will run for National Party leader on Tuesday

‘I know the toll these battles and this service take on a person and their family. It would have taken David a lot of courage to make the tough decision to stand down,’ he said. 

Reaffirming his long-standing positions, Canavan criticised ‘excessive government spending’ and ‘crazy net zero policies,’ arguing such measures have contributed to soaring inflation and interest rates in Australia.

‘I believe I am best placed to help deliver an Australia-first plan that will secure a better life for all Australians,’ he said.

Canavan said he would soon outline his case to Nationals colleagues and pledged to respect their decision.

‘I love the Nationals Party, and I firmly believe that our pragmatic, grounded approach is exactly what the country needs now,’ he said.

Nationals Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie and Deputy Leader Kevin Hogan have also emerged as potential contenders for the leadership.

Appearing on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing on Tuesday, McKenzie declined to rule out a tilt at the top job when pressed.

Whoever becomes the new Nationals leader will inherit the challenge of countering a rising One Nation, particularly in the wake of former Nationals MP and deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce’s defection last year.

David Littleproud (pictured) gave an emotional press conference when resigning on Tuesday

Littleproud will continue to serve in Parliament as the member for Maranoa, the rural Queensland electorate he has represented since 2016 and one of the safest strongholds for the Nationals.

He also left the door open to a possible return to the Coalition frontbench under the party’s new leadership.