Matt Canavan has been elected as leader of the National Party, securing the top job following the shock resignation of David Littleproud.
Darren Chester was also elected as deputy leader, replacing Page MP Kevin Hogan in the role.
The Nationals partyroom met at 10am on Wednesday to choose a new leader after Mr Littleproud announced he would step aside after almost four years in the job.
Mr Canavan defeated former deputy leader Kevin Hogan, in the ballot, as well as Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie.
Nationals whip Michelle Landry announced the result shortly before 11am, after a 45-minute meeting.
In a press conference from the Nationals partyroom after his election, Mr Canavan promised to “fight for our nation”.
“I stood for this role because I think we are losing our country. People are losing their standard of living,” Mr Canavan said.
“We’re losing our relaxed and larrikin nature. And we have to fight back for Australians.”
Asked about the Coalition bleeding votes to One Nation, the Nationals leader said Ms Hanson had not delivered tangible results for her voters.
“Pauline has been in politics for more than double the time I’ve been and I struggle to point to a single dam, single road, single hospital that Pauline has delivered,” he said.
“I can point to swathes of those things with the work I’ve done with Michelle Landry, Colin Boyce and others in central Queensland. That is ultimately what we’re here for.”
Before the vote, both Mr Canavan and Mr Hogan were understood to be claiming majority support, according to sources.
Mr Canavan confirmed he would put himself forward for the leadership ahead of the ballot, saying he believed the party needed a strong focus on cost of living and energy.
“I will put my case to my Nationals colleagues in the coming days and will respect whatever decision they make,” he said in a statement.
Mr Canavan had previously run for the leadership following the 2025 federal election but lost the partyroom vote to Mr Littleproud.
Mr Littleproud said stepping aside had been a difficult decision but insisted it was the right one for the party.
“I’m burnt out. I’m buggered. One of the biggest responsibilities as a leader is to be honest with yourself,” Mr Littleproud told Sky News on Wednesday.
He declined to reveal who he intended to support ahead of the ballot, saying he had barely looked at his phone since resigning.
“Look, we’ll have that conversation in the party room, but from what I’ve seen this morning, there’s plenty putting their hand up,” he said.
The leadership vote comes after a turbulent period for the Coalition, which has endured two splits and the recent ousting of former opposition leader Sussan Ley.
Mr Canavan takes the helm of the Nationals at a turbulent time as the party seeks to recapture voters lost to One Nation.
The first big test will be the Farrer byelection on May 9, which was vacated by Ms Ley’s resignation.