If there was any doubt Sussan Ley faced an impossible challenge keeping the Coalition together, proof arrived before breakfast on Wednesday.

Ley was yet to even step up to her first question time opposite Anthony Albanese when she was badly undermined by the Nationals MPs Barnaby Joyce and Michael McCormack on the question of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The former leadership rivals put down their weapons in an interview with The Australian, declaring they would push for the junior Coalition partner to ditch net zero, locking in a fight with the Liberals on policies ahead of the 2028 federal election.

Both men have been all over the map on the issue.

It was Joyce who signed the Nationals up to Scott........

© The Guardian