Barnaby Joyce decision to leave Nationals heightens speculation about One Nation move | Barnaby Joyce
Barnaby Joyce has told supporters he intends to withdraw from the national contest, that he will not run for a New England seat at the next election and that he is “free to consider all options now”, increasing speculation he may switch parties in parliament.
It came a day after Coalition figures said the former National Party leader was actively considering joining One Nation.
Sky News first reported a statement Joyce sent to party members in his local area saying his relationship with the National Party leadership had soured. He also stated that Joyce will not run for New England again, that he will likely remain in parliament to complete this term, and that he is considering his options beyond that.
Guardian Australia has not seen the statement but a National source confirmed that Joyce had issued a statement announcing his intention to leave the party. Joyce did not respond to requests for comment. Nationals leader David Littleproud is expected to make a statement on Saturday afternoon.
A second Nationals source told Guardian Australia Joyce had met with the party’s national leadership and announced her intention to take to the podium. It is understood Joyce has not yet spoken to his party’s leaders.
Other National politicians said they were not aware of any developments regarding Joyce and were only aware of the potential through media reports.
There is domestic speculation that Joyce may run for the Senate for One Nation in the next federal election. A One Nation spokesman on Friday and Saturday declined to comment on speculation and widespread media reports that Joyce was in talks to join the party, but did not deny the allegations.
Tensions between Joyce and Littleproud have increased since the May 3 federal election. Joyce has been pushed to the back burner and is agitating for net zero carbon policies by 2050, including a private member’s bill to repeal the plan.
As the Coalition formally reviews its net zero policy, the New South Wales MP has waged a furious campaign against renewable energy projects from the backbenches. Joyce took to the floor in the House of Representatives earlier this year to open the debate.
More to follow.
