Littleproud Declares Coalition ‘Untenable’ Under Ley’s Leadership

Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Coalition was a ’smoking ruin.’

Leader of the National Party David Littleproud speaks to the media at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Jan. 19, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

Nationals leader David Littleproud has strongly hinted that his party cannot serve in a shadow ministry under Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.

The rupture became public on Jan. 21, when all Nationals MPs withdrew from the Coalition frontbench, following the earlier resignation of three senators who defied a unified shadow cabinet position on Labor’s anti-hate bill.