Today, I formally announced that I will call a leadership spill motion at Monday’s National Party meeting.
I intend to put my name forward for leader of the party.
I have announced my intentions early to give my colleagues the time and space to consider this important decision.
It is imperative that the National Party survives, and I believe the best way to ensure this is by remaining in Coalition with the Liberal Party.
The reality is that if the National Party goes to the next election alone, our Senate positions in New South Wales and Victoria will be under threat, as will lower house seats due to three-cornered contests.
The National Party is an institution that has served rural and regional Australia for more than 100 years, and I want it to remain a strong and viable force well into the future.