Nationals leader Canavan to contest Queensland lower house seat after Landry's retirement

The Guardian reported that Nationals leader Matt Canavan will run for a lower‑house seat in Queensland at the next federal election. The announcement comes after Capricornia MP Michelle Landry said she will not recontest her seat. The move could set up a showdown with James Ashby, who serves as chief of staff to Pauline Hanson. The Guardian said the potential contest may become a major battle for regional seats in the state.

Canavan’s decision to shift from the Senate to the House of Representatives signals a strategic push by the Nationals to strengthen their presence in Queensland. If Ashby enters the race, the contest would pit two high‑profile political operatives against each other, drawing attention to the fight for regional representation.

Why it matters

The race could influence the balance of power in Queensland’s regional seats and highlight the competition between the Nationals and One Nation.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

2 Nov 2026, 02:55 IST

Key names

Matt Canavan, Nation’s James Ashby, Queensland, Michelle Landry

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianNationals leader Matt Canavan to run for lower house seat in possible showdown with One Nation’s James Ashby 2 Nov, 02:55

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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