Nationals to go it alone in the North

EIGHT Queensland federal Nationals MPs will divorce themselves from the LNP campaign at the next election and in a matter of weeks will use Barnaby Joyce to relaunch themselves in the regions.

Talks behind closed doors – including with federal Nationals’ director Ben Hindmarsh – have cemented the Nationals’ view that the LNP at a federal level has emasculated the proud party of the bush and will cost them votes at the next election.

It is understood the LNP executive is not supportive of any change, however Nationals’ parliamentarians say they have nothing to lose.

It comes as the Nationals are expected to endorse a commission of inquiry into banks during a party room meeting next Monday – a policy position that puts them at odds with the Liberal Party and the Prime Minister.

While the LNP merger will not be unscrambled, the Queensland Nationals want to be distinguished from their 18 Liberal Party colleagues.

Plans are being drawn up now for a blitz on the bush, with the Nationals ready to reinforce what they have achieved and what they stand for.

They want Mr Joyce to pick more fights with the Liberal Party.

They are waiting for Mr Joyce to win his by- election this weekend and be sworn back into Parliament.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan said it was not a matter of splitting the LNP, but better selling the Nationals as a separate power in Canberra.