Mass walkout of shadow cabinet is only latest chapter in Nationals’ chaotic decline

Departure of all eight remaining frontbenchers was not sparked by principled policy differences, but by ego, ideology and arroganceFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWith so little fanfare that almost nobody noticed, the Nationals senators Bridget McKenzie and Ross Cadell first defied their colleagues on the floor of parliament nearly six months ago.Late one night in September, the pair voted with Pauline Hanson and One Nation on a motion about migration, ignoring the pleas of Coalition colleagues, including Liberal Anne Ruston, not to cross the floor. Continue reading...