Contenders emerge for leadership

A NUMBER of Nationals MPs, including Assistant Families Minister David Gillespie, have emerged as contenders for the leadership as pressure mounts of Barnaby Joyce to resign as Deputy Prime Minister.

Andrew Broad yesterday became the first Nationals MP to publicly call for Mr Joyce’s resignation, warning that he would raise the need for the Deputy Prime Minister to move to the backbench at a party room meeting on Monday.

Veterans Affairs Minister Michael McCormack is considered the most likely candidate to nominate for the position, which would first have to be declared vacant through a vote before a leadership ballot is held.

It is understood Mr Gillespie, another NSW Nationals MP, has also indicated to colleagues that he would put up his hand for the job, but only if Mr Joyce chooses to resign instead of being pushed out of the job.

Both Mr McCormack and Mr Gillespie declined to comment.

Other contenders could include former assistant trade minister Keith Pitt, who was axed from the ministry by Mr Joyce in a brutal pre-Christmas reshuffle, some Nationals said.

“A lot would put their hand up in a leadership contest,” one Nationals source said.

Along with Mr Broad, there are thought to be six of 21 in the Nationals party room who are set against Mr Joyce and want him to resign, while about a third of the party are considering their options.

Queensland MP Ken O’Dowd said: “Whatever will be, will be.”