Australia’s National Party has split from its conservative coalition partner of more than 60 years, the Liberal Party, citing policy differences over renewable energy and following a resounding loss in the national elections this month. “It’s time to have a break,” the National leader, David Littleproud, told reporters on Tuesday.

Australia's Liberal-National coalition - currently the nation's main opposition political party - has split after a partnership lasting almost 80 years. The move marks a seismic change in the country's political landscape and comes just weeks after a federal election that saw Labor win a second term in a landslide victory.

Australia’s conservative alliance has fractured following election defeat, with the National Party officially splitting from its coalition with the Liberals after more than 60 years.