Queensland MP Llew O'Brien quits Nationals
Nationals backbencher Llew O'Brien has quit the party following Barnaby Joyce's failed leadership bid.
Mr O'Brien told Prime Minister Scott Morrison of his decision last night.
He will remain in the Coalition party room.
Nationals MP Llew O'Brien reacts during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, in 2019. AAP
"Mr O'Brien joined the LNP at its inception and remains a member of the LNP. Mr O'Brien will not make any statements until after he has met with the prime minister," his spokeswoman said today.
The member for Wide Bay in Queensland was among Mr Joyce's supporters who were last week threatening to cross the floor and block Coalition legislation after the failed leadership bid.
Senior government minister Mathias Cormann said Mr O'Brien would still be a member of the Liberal National Party and sit in the joint party room.
"He continues to support the government - that is what he has made clear to the prime minister," Senator Cormann said today.
Mr O'Brien will still give the government supply.
Minister David Littleproud approaches the backbench for a discussion with Nationals MP Llew O'Brien during Question Time at Parliament House, in 2019. Alex Ellinghausen / Sydney Morning Herald
Last week Michael McCormack remained National Party leader and deputy prime minister after defeating Mr Joyce in a party room vote.
The 21 Nationals MPs and Senators met in Canberra last Tuesday, with Mr McCormack winning the vote.
With AAP
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