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Nationals Leader Declares Coalition 'Untenable' After Split

1/23/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

David Littleproud, leader of the Nationals, announced January 22 that the coalition is 'untenable' after Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley urged him to maintain the alliance, which he rejected.
This split followed a dissolution in May 2025 after a significant election defeat.
The coalition now holds less than one-third of the Lower House seats.
The alliance has governed Australia for nearly two-thirds of the time since World War II.

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Story summary

David Littleproud, leader of the Nationals, announced January 22 that the coalition is 'untenable' after Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley urged him to maintain the alliance, which he rejected.
This split followed a dissolution in May 2025 after a significant election defeat.
The coalition now holds less than one-third of the Lower House seats.
The alliance has governed Australia for nearly two-thirds of the time since World War II.