Sussan Ley says Nationals leader rejected offer of talks before parliament return

Sussan Ley said David Littleproud turned down her offer for last-minute peace talks ahead of parliament’s return next week, while Littleproud said a time would be scheduled after the Nationals’ upcoming leadership contest. Ley told Liberal MPs she had written to Littleproud on Tuesday night proposing a meeting “without any preconditions” to discuss the two parties’ relationship after last week’s breakup, and Guardian Australia has confirmed she authorised a small group of shadow ministers, including Ted O’Brien and Dan Tehan, to keep lines of communication open.

Littleproud said it was “inaccurate” to suggest the Nationals rebuffed the Liberal request within 48 hours, explaining a spill motion had been called for the next Nationals party room meeting on Monday and that it was important to respect that process. He said the Opposition Leader’s office was advised that once the spill motion was determined, a time would be scheduled.

Disgruntled backbencher Colin Boyce plans to move the spill motion and said he would stand if it succeeded, accusing Littleproud of leading the party off a “political cliff”. Boyce denied plans to defect to One Nation, while Nationals MPs immediately dismissed his prospects and senior figures Matt Canavan and Darren Chester ruled out running for the leadership; Chester criticised Boyce’s bid as self-indulgent.

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