David Littleproud has support of the party room: Bridget McKenzie

Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie has claimed David Littleproud will survive as party leader as he stares down a leadership tilt from a disgruntled colleague.

On Wednesday, LNP MP Colin Boyce confirmed he would challenge Mr Littleproud for the top job when parliament resumes next week, saying the National Party was “committing political suicide by removing itself from the Coalition”.

The threat comes a week after the party’s dramatic protest against Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who had axed three Nationals members from her frontbench for breaking shadow cabinet solidarity rules. In retaliation, all 11 National Party frontbenchers – including Mr Littleproud – resigned from Ms Ley’s frontbench and the historic Liberals and Nationals alliance was branded “untenable” under Ms Ley’s leadership, splitting the Coalition.

On Thursday, Senator McKenzie – who was one of three dumped from Ms Ley’s shadow ministry – told the Today show that while Mr Boyce was a “terrific local member”, she could not see his leadership threat coming to fruition.

“I cannot see the spill motion getting up on Monday,” she said.

“Usually, you would talk to your colleagues, so know the room and myself.

“We support David.”

Senator McKenzie also brushed off concerns around the National Party’s refusal to meet with Ms Ley before parliament sits despite offers from the Liberal leader to reconcile.

“I’m sure, as David (Littleproud) said, we’re quite comfortable to have a meeting at a time that suits us. We won’t be rushed to arbitrary timelines simply because the Liberal Party is feeling the pressure,” she said.

‘Only way forward’

Later, Mr Boyce doubled down on his challenge to Mr Littleproud, saying the Nationals’ future relied on the ousting of its leader.

“It seems to me that, under Mr. Littleproud’s leadership, to blow the Coalition up twice now since the last federal election, that is not a position that I want to be in,” Mr Boyce said.

“And the only way forward is to pick a new leader and go to the Liberal Party and reform the Coalition.”

There has been speculation the Gladstone MP’s move was not to further his own ambitions but to potentially help a more popular colleague clinch the top job.

When grilled on the issue, Mr Boyce did not rule out a different challenger to take on Mr Littleproud.

“I’m not aware of anybody else that is intending to run for leadership. Having said that, that (it) is a distinct possibility,” he said.

“I have given notice that I will move this motion and it’s up to my colleagues to decide whether they think that they’re a better proposition for the leader of the National Party.”

He also ruled out a move to One Nation despite rumours of mass defections to the populist party after former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce jumped ship in November.