The Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack MP, has confirmed he will stand for leadership of The National Party after the resignation of Barnaby Joyce.
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In a statement released on Friday, Mr McCormack said he will ask fellow Nationals MPs to back him for the top job at party room meeting on Monday.
“On Monday, I will ask my colleagues to back me for the leadership of The Nationals, so together we can work to grow local economies, increase local opportunities and create local jobs. We can do this together as a united team,” Mr McCormack said.
Mr McCormack paid homage to Mr Joyce, who announced his resignation as leader of The National Party on Friday afternoon, following three weeks of controversy after it was revealed Mr Joyce had an affair with a former staffer, who is now expecting his son.
“I want to acknowledge Barnaby Joyce for his leadership of The Nationals over the past two years and thank him for being a true advocate for the needs of regional areas. His legacy will endure. I wish him well for the future,” Mr McCormack said.
In his statement, Mr McCormack described himself as a “fighter”.
“I am a fighter and I have the drive to deliver. When water rights were challenged in my electorate, I crossed the floor to get a better deal. When a big American company came knocking to take over GrainCorp, I stood up for our farmers and opposed it,” he said.
“Regional communities are the bedrock of Australia and The Nationals reflect this with strong representation and positive outcomes on issues which affect our local communities.
He also addressed the partnership between The Nationals and Liberal Party, saying it was a ‘”strong team”, despite a public spat between Mr Joyce and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull over comments made by the Prime Minister about the affair.
“The Nationals, in Government with the Liberals, have always delivered for Australia. We have been the most successful partnership in Australian political history. We are a strong team and we know together we can achieve great outcomes for our nation,” Mr McCormack said.
“What Australians cannot afford and do not deserve is a Bill Shorten-led Labor-Greens Government.
“As I said in my inaugural speech to Parliament in 2010: “I promise not to be silent when I ought to speak.”
