# Nationals leader Matt Canavan to contest lower house seat, risking One Nation showdown

Matt Canavan, leader of the Nationals, plans to run for a lower-house seat, setting up a possible election contest with One Nation’s James Ashby. The move could reshape conservative competition in the region and test Coalition relations with One Nation.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### World
- [The Guardian World](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/nov/02/nationals-leader-matt-canavan-one-nation-james-ashby-capricornia-election-ntwnfb) — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:25:18 GMT