
About this episode
In a stunning turn of events, the Nationals have officially split with Liberal party, blowing up the Coalition. Nationals leader David Littleproud accused Opposition leader Sussan Ley forcing his party into an "untenable" position and said they could not sit in Coalition under her leadership.
It comes on the National Day of Mourning for Bondi, which was intended to be a day of unity and healing for the country. So, is this the end of the Coalition for good? And while questions are swirling about Sussan Ley's leadership, there are also questions about David Littleproud's hold on his position.
On a week where it looked like the Prime Minister would be in the hot seat, how did the Opposition again become the story?
Patricia Karvelas and Fran Kelly are joined by Michelle Grattan, Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation on The Party Room.Read PK's analysis here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-22/optics-diabolical-liberals-nationals-split-chaos-reigns/106256942
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