Barnaby Joyce has flatly denied speculation he’s defecting to One Nation, delivering a one-word “No!” when pressed by Sunrise host Nat Barr about his political future.
The fiery exchange came after the New England MP announced on Saturday he would not recontest his seat for the Nationals at the next federal election, citing an “irreparable breakdown” with party leadership.
“The relationship is broken,” Mr Joyce told Sunrise. “That happens, you just have to deal with that.”
When asked whether Pauline Hanson had approached him to lead One Nation should she step down, Mr Joyce bristled. “You amaze me,” he said. “I did ring (Ms Hanson) last night because the media is talking about us, we may as well speak to each other rather than through media … said g’day and there was nothing locked in.”
He accused commentators of jumping to conclusions. “Not even in a matter of minutes, I’ve resigned from the Nationals, joined One Nation – which I haven’t done – then leaving within a few hours and leading One Nation,” he said. “Let’s take it down a step. I have not joined One Nation.”
Despite his denial, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson told supporters in Tamworth over the weekend that Mr Joyce would be a “great fit” for her party, saying they were “on the same page” on key issues such as net zero emissions. “Barnaby … I’ll open doors for you. Come across to One Nation,” she said.
Nationals leader David Littleproud has urged his former deputy to reconsider, but Mr Joyce has remained firm, saying his relationship with the leadership team had “broken down” and it was time to move on.
“I don’t think it’s conducive to a harmonious party room for them or, to be honest, for me,” he said. “The best thing to do there is to move on.”
In his statement announcing the split, Mr Joyce likened the rift to “a sadness in some marriages”, saying his relationship with the party had “irreparably broken down” and describing himself as “a discordant note” in the Nationals’ ranks.
While he will complete his current term, the former deputy prime minister said he is now free to consider his next move. But, for now, insists One Nation isn’t it.
Images: Sunrise
