By Kat Wong in Canberra

Nationals leader David Littleproud has retained his position after fending off a challenge over climate change.

The Nationals’ 20-member party room on Monday re-elected Mr Littleproud and backed Kevin Hogan as deputy leader.

Queensland senator Matt Canavan had challenged Mr Littleproud for the leadership despite the rural party holding most of its seats at the election.

Positioning himself as “an agent of change”, Senator Canavan had urged the coalition to dump its “ridiculous” net-zero emissions by 2050 target.

“It’s a great honour to lead our great party,” Mr Littleproud said after being re-elected.

“I’m proud of our achievements over the last three years … where I think we set the policy agenda.”

The Nationals’ leadership positions are spilled after every federal election.

A fresh deputy was needed after the party’s former second-in-command Perin Davey lost her seat on May 3.

Senator Davey was still able to vote as she remains a senator – and part of the partyroom – until July 1.

Bridget McKenzie will lead the minor party in the Senate.

Nationals MP and former leader Michael McCormack earlier backed Mr Littleproud, but said the open contest would help clear the air.

Fellow MP Darren Chester also backed Mr Littleproud, saying a case for change hadn’t been made.

“David has done a good job to move us closer to the sensible centre of Australian politics, which is where most of the voters are,” he said.

MPs Colin Boyce and Llew O’Brien backed Senator Canavan ahead of the vote, with both staunchly opposed to climate targets.

The Nationals had one less person in their partyroom meeting after Northern Territory senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price moved to the Liberal party room.

The Liberals will choose a party leader on Tuesday.