Barnaby Joyce’s wife breaks silence: “It’s devastating”
UPDATE: In a statement this morning, Barnaby Joyce’s estranged wife Natalie Joyce broke her silence about the bombshell news her husband is expecting a baby with his former staffer.
“I understand that this affair has been going on for many months and started when she was a paid employee,” she told the Daily Telegraph.
“This situation is devastating on many fronts. For my girls who are affected by the family breakdown and for me as a wife of 24 years, who placed my own career on hold to support Barnaby through his political life.”
She added: “Our family life has had to be shared during Barnaby’s political career and it was with trust that we let campaign and office staff into our homes and into our lives.
“Naturally we also feel deceived and hurt by the actions of Barnaby and the staff member involved.
“The situation for myself and the girls will be made worse by the fact that this will all be played out in public so at this time, I would ask that the girls and I are given some privacy and time to come to terms with the consequences.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce is expecting a baby with a younger former staff member after splitting from his wife of 24 years last year, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Mr Joyce, 50, confirmed in December he had separated from his wife Natalie Joyce. They have four daughters together.
Barnaby Joyce with his wife Natalie at the Midwinter Ball in Canberra in 2017.
His new partner and former media advisor Vikki Campion, 33, was photographed by New Corp and appeared pregnant.
Sources confirmed Ms Campion, who is living in Canberra and left Mr Joyce’s office in April last year, is expecting.
She is reportedly living with Mr Joyce and due to give birth in April.
Vikki Campion and Barnaby Joyce.
Mr Joyce refused to comment when contacted by the publication about his personal situation. However, he did say Ms Campion was no longer working for the government.
Soon after winning his -election as the member for New England last year, Mr Joyce confirmed his separation from his wife during debate on the Same Sex Marriage Bill in the House of Representatives.
"The current definition of marriage has stood the test of time – half of them fail, I acknowledge that,” Mr Joyce said.
“I’ll acknowledge that I'm currently separated, so that's on the record.”