New Nationals leadership team represents strong future: Chaffey

Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has welcomed Senator Matt Canavan as the new leader of The National Party and Darren Chester as the deputy leader.

A party room meeting was held in Canberra last Wednesday morning following the resignation of David Littleproud, who will continue as the Member for Maranoa.

“Senator Matt Canavan has already proven himself as a fighter for regional Australia – and that is exactly what the country needs,” Mr Chaffey said.

“I welcome his election as leader of The National Party and look forward to working with him to champion better results for the people of the Parkes electorate.

“Senator Canavan has already joined me in Parkes as we listened to the stories of people who were being impacted by Labor’s stampede to Net Zero, and we outlined the clear fact there is a cheaper, better and fairer way to move forward on energy issues.

“I also welcome Darren Chester as deputy leader. His extensive experience in parliament and his commitment and enthusiasm are great assets to our leadership team.

“While it was sad to hear David Littleproud’s resignation, we have great confidence in our new team, and in the future.

“We need to be strong to hold this Labor Albanese government to account – particularly given their record in regional Australia.”

Prior to last Wednesday’s party room meeting, Mr Chaffey acknowledged Mr Littleproud’s service after his shock announcement on Tuesday that he was vacating the leadership position.

“Being a leader of any party requires dedication and an enormous amount of time, and David has fulfilled that role with commitment and dignity,” Mr Chaffey said.

“I welcome the news that he will remain as the Member for Maranoa – the northern neighbour to the electorate of Parkes and I would like to thank David for his guiding role during my first 10 months as the federal Member for Parkes.

“I fully understand his wish to spend more time with his family, and I wish David and his family all the best for the future.”

Mr Chaffey ruled out contesting either the leader or the deputy leader role as he had only 10 months under his belt as the federal member.

“My firm focus is on the electorate of Parkes,” Mr Chaffey said.