THE man who could soon be Port Macquarie’s representative in Canberra has confirmed his leadership ambitions.
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Cowper’s Luke Hartsuyker said during a whistle-stop visit to the Hastings on Friday that the time was right for him to be formally considered a leader within the National Party.
He said his 14 years as a representative in the nation's capital meant he was ready to lead.
"I think it's really important for the National Party going forward that we have a strong leadership team," he said.
That team could include Mr Hartsuyker, though current deputy of the party Barnaby Joyce has made it clear he wants the top job for himself when leader Warren Truss steps aside.
Mr Hartsuyker was emphatic that urging with the Nationals had convinced him it was time to push for a bigger role.
"Absolutely [it's the right time], absolutely.
"Leadership opportunities do not come up very often in the National Party; we are a very stable party.
"Party people and the people of regional Australia tell me they want a team that's going to deliver in the interests of regional Australia, but they also want a team that's going to deliver against a backdrop of stable government."