Barnaby Joyce has revealed he will not seek re-election as the Member of Parliament for New England, citing an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with The Nationals.

This decision follows speculation that the former Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals representative was contemplating a dramatic shift to One Nation, potentially aligning with Pauline Hanson—a political development that has caused significant ripples in Canberra.

In a statement, Joyce explained, “Over the weekend, while I was in Central Queensland aiding the LNP at their FDC meeting, news of my departure emerged.”

“Clearly, as I was on the road working for The Nationals, the story was inconsistent with my activities and did not originate from me or anyone connected to me,” he continued.

“Regarding my political future, I would have preferred more time to reflect and make an announcement later if necessary. However, that chance has been taken away, so I must make a decision now.”

He added succinctly, “My relationship with The Nationals’ leadership in Canberra has, unfortunately, like some marriages, broken down beyond repair.”

Joyce said he felt like he was turning into a ‘discordant note’ due to his seat in the far corner of the Coalition in the chamber and the ‘atmospherics’ in the party room. 

‘More importantly our position in continuing to support Net Zero with the massive schism and hurt to my electorate, to small businesses, to the environment, to the poor, to the defence of Australia and creating hate between lifelong friends in my community makes continuing in the Nationals’ Party Room in Canberra under this policy untenable,’ he continued. 

Barnaby Joyce (pictured) has announced he will not be running as the MP for New England in the next election after his relationship with The Nationals ‘irreparably broke down’

Barnaby Joyce is pictured with his wife Vikki Campion at the 2023 Midwinter Ball

Nationals leader David Littleproud is pictured

‘I will not be standing for New England again but will complete my term as promised at the last election. I will leave with the greatest of love for all and money in the electorate bank account. I am free to now consider all options as to what I do next.

‘I hope that the members understand the unfortunate position I am in and the obvious action after a period of consideration I must take. 

‘I wished I had been given more time to consider this and don’t know the motives of those who put the story out there.

‘I am so desperately sorry as to the hurt this may cause and close with the deepest of affection for you all.’

The shock statement comes after Hanson did not deny ongoing discussions with Joyce about joining her party when asked by the media on Friday afternoon. 

‘If Barnaby wants to come to One Nation, I’d be happy to have him,’ she said. 

Earlier this year, Hanson revealed she had already invited Joyce to join her party, sharing the story in a video posted to social media.

‘Some of his colleagues wanted him gone out of parliament,’ she said.

The shock statement comes after Pauline Hanson (pictured) did not deny ongoing discussions with Joyce about joining One Nation when asked by the media on Friday afternoon

‘I thought: no, I like Barnaby. I like what he stands for. We’re on the same page, we think alike, and we say it the way we see it. So I asked Barnaby.

‘Guess what? He comes back and said, “Thanks, Pauline, but no thank you”. So he’s remained loyal to the Nationals.’

National Party insiders have told Daily Mail they were blindsided by the reports, with some dismissing the claim as a rumour.

Joyce has been a vocal critic of the Net Zero policy, recently introducing a private member’s bill to scrap Australia’s commitment to lower emissions by 2050. 

‘What Net Zero has become is about trying to achieve the impossible, rather than doing what’s sensible,’ Joyce said.