Nationals Leader Matt Canavan to Run for Capricornia Seat

Nationals leader Matt Canavan announced he will run for the lower house seat of Capricornia in Queensland at the next federal election. The vacancy follows the retirement of MP Michelle Landry. Canavan stated the bid is necessary to retain the seat to change the government and continue delivering for central Queensland.

The move establishes a potential electoral contest between Canavan and James Ashby, the chief of staff for Pauline Hanson and a representative of One Nation. The competition highlights tensions between the Coalition and the right-wing party over regional representation.

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie criticized the strategy of One Nation, arguing that if the party is serious about removing the current prime minister, it should target Labor party seats rather than contesting seats held by the Coalition.