Barnaby Joyce Speaks Out Amid One Nation Speculation: ‘Breakdown in Relationship’ with Nationals Leader David Littleproud
- Barnaby Joyce reveals ‘breakdown in relationship’ with Nationals leader David Littleproud
- Former Nationals leader denies joining One Nation, despite speculation
- Joyce confirms he spoke to One Nation leader Pauline Hanson on Sunday night
- Minister for social services, Tanya Plibersek, calls Nationals issues a ‘circus’
In a shocking turn of events, former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has spoken out about his decision to leave the party, citing a ‘breakdown in relationship’ with leader David Littleproud. Joyce, who announced he would not run for his seat of New England in the next election, appeared on Sunrise on Monday morning to elaborate on his decision.
‘There has been a breakdown in the relationship between myself and David and others, and I don’t think it’s conducive to a harmonious party room for them or, to be honest, for me, and to say anything else is not telling the truth,’ Joyce told Sunrise host Nat Barr. ‘And I think playing this silly game of charades of, you know, ‘everything’s fine, it’s all going well’ – well it wasn’t, and I think the best thing to do there is to move on, which is what I intend to do.’
Amid growing speculation that Joyce would defect to One Nation, he revealed he spoke to the party’s leader Pauline Hanson on Sunday night. ‘I did ring her last night because seeing they are talking about us, we may as well speak to each other rather than through the media,’ he said. However, Joyce denied joining Hanson’s ranks, for now. ‘There was nothing locked in, nothing… let’s take it down a step. I have not joined One Nation.’
Minister for social services, Tanya Plibersek, also appeared on Sunrise and called the issues within the National Party a ‘circus’. ‘One thing I know for sure is that Australians tolerance for politicians and political parties talking about themselves is pretty low,’ she said.
Joyce’s announcement has given the Nationals two and a half years to find a new candidate for his seat, in which time he will ‘continue to do my work for them’.
The former Nationals leader also confirmed he was pushed to make the announcement of his departure after news of his decision leaked on Saturday, saying it had been awkward as he was out campaigning for the Nationals at the time.