Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud has announced he will step down from the leadership of the party, saying he no longer has the energy required to continue in the role.

Mr Littleproud confirmed in a statement this afternoon that he had informed the party of his decision and requested a party room meeting later this week to elect a new leader.

“This afternoon I notified The Nationals Chief Whip of my intention to resign as Leader of The Nationals and requested a party room meeting later this week to choose a new Leader,” Mr Littleproud said.

Mr Littleproud said leading the party had been a privilege but he believed it was the right time for new leadership.

“Leading this great party has been an enormous honour and privilege, but I have concluded that I am no longer the best person to lead The Nationals,” he said.

“The Leader must be able to give everything they have, but after the last few months, I have come to realise that I no longer have the energy required to do this job to the best of my ability.”

Mr Littleproud said his decision was driven by his commitment to both the party and regional Australia.

“I love The Nationals and regional Australia too much not to give it everything.”

“My colleagues trusted me with their support three times when choosing who should lead The Nationals, and I will be forever grateful.”

Mr Littleproud said the timing of his departure would allow the party to refresh its leadership ahead of the next federal election.

“With two years until the next election, and the Coalition relationship now restored and strong, it is the right time to refresh the leadership of The Nationals.”

Despite stepping aside as leader, he said he would continue to represent his Queensland electorate of Maranoa.

“Equal to my love of the party, is my love for the people of Maranoa and I am dedicated to continuing to keep fighting for them every day.”

“I look forward to spending more time back in Queensland, helping locals deal with the challenges they face.”

Mr Littleproud also thanked his family and supporters and pledged support for whoever is chosen as the next leader.

“Leading a political party takes a toll and there is a price paid by those closest to you. I could not have been Leader of The Nationals without the love and support of my family, close friends and staff.”

“Our new Leader will have my support, and I am passionate about working with that person to see The Nationals succeed.”

He also expressed support for Liberal leader Angus Taylor.

“I have great faith in Angus Taylor’s ability to lead the Coalition and believe that he is the right person to reconnect the Coalition with the Australian people, with the right plan to restore our standard of living and protect our way of life.”

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside my National Party colleagues with Angus Taylor’s Liberal Party in a strong Coalition opposition.”

Nationals Federal President Andrew Fraser said Mr Littleproud had led the party through a challenging period and had delivered great policy outcomes for regional Australia.

“On behalf of The National Party I’d like to acknowledge and thank David Littleproud for his leadership of our great party over the last four years and wish him all the best as he continues in his service as the Member for Maranoa,” Mr Fraser said in a statement released this afternoon following Mr Littleproud’s announcement.

“David has worked 24/7 for the last four years for the people of Australia while also being a great local MP. He has been an approachable and accessible leader to everyone in regional Australia, members of the public and party members alike.

“I congratulate David on his personal strength and conviction that saw The Nationals lead the debate on the Voice and on the development and adoption of an energy and climate policy that will meet our future energy needs and allow Australian businesses to thrive.

‘There’s no argument that it’s been a challenging time for conservative politics in Australia, and David Littleproud has been a fierce champion and advocate for The National Party as a strong party in our own right as part of a Coalition.

“We are not a faction of the Liberal Party; we have a partnership, and David’s leadership never let them forget it.

“It’s rare for a leader to know when they need to hand over. It’s to David’s credit and reflects his strength of character that he has put the needs of The Nationals and his electorate of Maranoa first and his own career and political interests last.

“The parliamentary National Party will elect a new leader later this week, and we look forward to working with the leadership team for the benefit of regional Australia.”

Sources: Federal Member for Maranoa, Nationals Federal President