Nationals leader David Littleproud is quitting as leader of the party and became emotional as he admitted he no longer had the energy to continue in the role.

Speaking in Canberra on Tuesday, Littleproud fought back tears as he told reporters he was exhausted after years in leadership.

‘I’m buggered and I’ve had enough,’ he said. 

‘To lead this great party would be the wrong thing for me to do… it would be wrong for me to say that I am the right person to continue to lead.’  

‘I’ve got to a juncture where I believe it is time.’

He added: ‘I’m out on my feet and I’m done, but I’m proud of what I’ve done.

‘I’m proud of us recapturing our identity – for who we are and what we stand for.’ 

Littleproud will remain in Parliament and has confirmed he intends to recontest his Queensland seat of Maranoa, one of the safest electorates in the country, which he has held since entering Parliament in 2016.

Nationals leader David Littleproud (pictured) announced he would resign as party leader

He took over the Nationals leadership in 2022 following the Coalition’s federal election defeat.

His leadership was marked by several moments of internal tension, including two splits with the Coalition over policy differences before later reuniting. 

The second split unfolded just two months ago in January amid disputes over proposed hate speech laws, again followed by a reconciliation.

Littleproud said the cumulative strain of these internal battles ultimately influenced his decision to step aside.

Littleproud refused to endorse his successor when pressed, insisting he had no preference and didn’t care if they sat in the House of Representatives or the Senate.

But he hailed Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and tipped him for success.

‘He’s a man that’ll be a great prime minister for this country, and I just say to Australians, please take the time to get to know him,’ said Littleproud. 

‘He’s actually a great bloke, and he stands for what’s right in this country. He’s a great patriot and he’ll do a great job.’

David Littleproud and wife Amelia (pictured) were emotional as he announced his resignation

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Littleproud’s service, saying the Nationals leader personally informed him of his decision before Question Time.

‘Prior to Question Time today, David Littleproud did me the courtesy of informing me that he would be stepping down as Leader of the Nationals,’ Albanese said on Tuesday afternoon.

‘David and I come from very different political traditions and backgrounds but we share a mutual respect for the great honour of serving in the Parliament of Australia.

‘We have been able to work together on many issues affecting his community, the regions and our national interest.’ 

Taylor also paid tribute to Littleproud, praising his leadership, loyalty and commitment to regional Australia following the Nationals leader’s resignation.  

‘David has made a great contribution since taking on the leadership in 2022 after a devastating election loss,’ he said. 

Taylor said Littleproud’s decision to step aside showed dignity. 

‘A wise person once told me it’s not how you get on the horse that matters, it’s how you get off,’ Taylor said. 

‘David has led with great energy, and now he’s chosen the right moment for someone else to take over.’

Littleproud said that the Coalition under Taylor had been made ‘competitive again’ and urged Australians to ‘get to know’ him. 

Only one Nationals MP, Senator Ross Cadell, attended the resignation speech.