David Littleproud has been elected the new Nationals leader, and Senator Perin Davey as his new deputy. Bridget McKenzie was re-elected as senate leader.

The federal Nationals will be led by David Littleproud in opposition after a party room vote in Canberra.

Mr Littleproud said his leadership isn’t about “lurching” to the left or the right.

“This is not about the National Party lurching left or lurching right, it’s using common sense and being in the sensible centre. That’s where you win elections, not chasing extremities.”

Mr Littleproud defeated Barnaby Joyce and former minister Darren Chester in a three-way contest to lead the party.

Barnaby Joyce, a vocal opponent of a 2050 goal for net-zero emissions, but did lead the Nationals into a net-zero agreement with the Liberal Party.

Mr Littleproud distanced himself from his predecessor by brandishing his commitment to net zero by 2050.

“We have made a sensible decision to be part of the global community; the global community asked us to sign up to net zero by 2050,” Mr Littleproud said.

Mr Littleproud said it had been his dream to lead the party since he joined it as a six-year-old boy, 40 years ago.

“I believe passionately in the National Party … we are the conscience of rural and regional Australia right here in this parliament,” he said.

“The National Party today starts its journey towards 2025, with a vibrant team, ready to articulate the policies that are important to regional and rural Australia, but also to draw on the experience of two former deputy prime ministers in Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack, to build that bridge of unity and purpose, to make sure that regional and rural Australia isn’t forgotten.”

Deputy leader Senator Davey said the Nationals would act in the interest of regional Australia from opposition.

“We’ve got three years to make sure we hold the new government to account, and to make sure they don’t forget the regions, and they don’t sell us short by doing deals with other parties and other interests.

“So, my focus with David is eyes on the future, and we will continue to build and continue to be a very strong voice for the regions,” she said.