Nationals and Liberals lob private criticisms against Ley and Littleproud as Coalition looks set to reunite

Reconciliation would be a win for Sussan Ley but, according to one senior Liberal MP, jeopardises David Littleproud’s leadership of National party

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Liberal MPs are prepared to accept the Nationals’ watered-down demands to preserve the Coalition, clearing the path to reunite the parties after a dramatic split that has exposed deep internal divisions, bruised both leaders and bolstered Anthony Albanese’s grip on power.

But the split is expected to have ongoing repercussions even if it is patched up, as both sides privately accuse the other of capitulating during negotiations.

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