Nationals Leadership Ballot: Hogan vs Canavan

0:00It's March 10th. Here's your Sydney news in two minutes. Nationals MPs are gearing up for a close leadership ballot today after David Littleprout's sudden resignation on Tuesday. Kurt Deputy Kevin Hogan is favorite to replace him, facing off mainly against Senator Matt Canavan in the 10 a.m. party room meeting. Hogan has strong backing from at least eight MPs, including loyalists like Darren Chester, Pat Conahan, and Little Proud himself. This group supported Littleprout before, and aims to keep momentum on his side. Meanwhile, Canavan draws support from conservative figures such as Colin Boyce, David Gillespie, and Senators Ross Cadel and Susan McDonald. Former leader Michael McCormick is sitting it out, but likely back in Canavan, while Bridget Mackenzie is running third and expected to pivot to him, later, the resignation caught most by surprise, with only Hogan tipped off early. Canavan see the quit ballot timing as a boost for him, though discomfort lingers over a Senator potentially leading, since past leaders came from the House of Representatives.

1:03Contenders will give speeches today, and insiders say it's razor thin, possibly just one or two votes deciding at all. More details should emerge soon from Parliament House. A quick thank you to our sponsor of today's episode. Do you know what is better than earbuds and bed? No earbuds at all, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.