Canavan is set to challenge current leader David Littleproud for the leadership position today. This comes despite the Nationals having done relatively well in the recent election, which resulted in Labor gaining power with a larger majority government.

The Queensland senator told Today that he did not believe Australians had “a proper choice” at the polls on May 3.

“People just don’t feel like they’re getting a voice,” he said.

“And I want to be a louder voice for them, through the Nationals Party.”

Canavan also again expressed his disappointment in Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s defection to the Liberal party room.

Price has since announced she will run for the deputy leadership under Angus Taylor.

However, Canavan insisted his publicly-expressed anger at her decision was not personal.

“I’ve got nothing personal against Jacinta, but I’m very, very disappointed in the, I think, disloyal way she conducted this move,” he said.

“I don’t hold a grudge, but I’m still going to call it out when I don’t think the conduct is up to scratch.”

The Nationals will conduct their leadership vote today, followed by the Liberal party’s leadership contest tomorrow, and the Greens on Thursday.