A leadership spill for the federal National Party of Australia was held on 4 February 2020, the day Parliament resumed for the year. It was called by the Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien and followed Bridget McKenzie‘s resignation as Deputy Leader on 2 February 2020 after the Sportsrorts scandal. Encumbent leader Michael McCormack was challenged by Barnaby Joyce but retained his position. Only the whip, Damian Drum, and a scrutineer, Perin Davey, had access to the ballot papers, however several National Party members publicly declared support for Barnaby Joyce.
Candidates for Leader
- Michael McCormack (elected)
- Barnaby Joyce (supported by Llew O’Brien, Matt Canavan, George Christensen)
Candidates for Deputy Leader
Matt Canavan and Darren Chester both declined to stand for the deputy leader position.
Related article: To Scott Morrison’s relief, Michael McCormack holds his job as Nationals’ leader – The Conversation
