Both David Littleproud and Darren Chester will now seek for the National Party leadership against Barnaby Joyce.
On Saturday, Mr Littleproud, the party’s high-profile deputy leader, said that he had informed Mr Joyce of his intention to run.
Mr Littleproud added, “I also took the chance to praise him for all of his service to our party.”
‘I believe now is the right time for me to put myself forward as the leader of my party room.’
‘Ultimately, this is a decision on who will lead The Nationals to the 2025 election.’
Barnaby Joyce (left) now faces a three way fight for control of the National Party – David Littleproud, the party’s deputy leader, has told Mr Joyce of his decision to nominate and Darren Chester also intends to contest the position
It is now a three-man race between Mr Littleproud, former deputy prime minister Mr Joyce and former veterans affairs minister Darren Chester.
Mr Chester confirmed his nomination on Friday, pitching a fresh start for the party.
‘Australians want a calmer, moderate and more respectful political debate which is focused on policies, not personalities,’ he said in a statement on Facebook.
The junior coalition partner will have its first post-election meeting on Monday where they will spill the leadership as per tradition.
Outgoing and surviving Liberals have blamed Mr Joyce for part of the coalition’s poor showing last Saturday, on top of the negativity surrounding Scott Morrison.
Former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack may also put his hat in the ring for the party’s top job, having been critical of Mr Joyce’s leadership since he lost in a leadership spill against him in 2021.
Anne Webster will contest for the deputy leadership role, currently held by Mr Littleproud.