Chester steps up as Nationals elect new leadership team
Gippsland MP takes second-highest role as Canavan wins surprise leadership ballot.
Gippsland federal MP Darren Chester won election as deputy leader of the National Party on Wednesday after a surprise leadership ballot triggered by the resignation of David Littleproud.
Senator Matt Canavan was elected leader, defeating former deputy leader Kevin Hogan and Senator Bridget McKenzie in a party room meeting that ran for more than 45 minutes.
Mr Littleproud announced his resignation on Tuesday. He told reporters he was "buggered" and no longer had the energy to continue in the role.
Despite stepping down as leader Mr Littleproud said he would remain in parliament and re-contest his Queensland seat of Maranoa at the next election.
Mr Chester takes on the deputy's role at a difficult time for the party.
The Nationals have lost two high-profile MPs since last year's federal election, with former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce defecting to One Nation and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price moving to the Liberal Party.
The party also faces a by-election in the NSW seat of Farrer on May 8, with early polling showing a surge for One Nation and an independent.
Mr Chester has represented the Gippsland electorate since winning a 2008 by-election.
Before entering federal politics he worked as a newspaper and television journalist.
More to come.
