Barnaby Joyce Announces Departure: Will Not Seek Re-Election in Upcoming Nationals Contest

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Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has quit the party, citing fractured relationships with its leadership.

The high-profile New England MP will not stand for his seat at the next election but does plan to see out the rest of the term, though.

“My relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down,” the former deputy prime minister wrote in a letter to branch members.

Reports the firebrand MP plans to defect to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation were not confirmed in the statement but his options have been kept open.

“I now have the freedom to explore all possibilities for my future,” he remarked.

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Deep divisions within the Coalition are becoming more pronounced as they face increasing pressure over climate change.

“Our stance of supporting net zero, which has caused significant division and harm to my constituents, small businesses, the environment, and disadvantaged communities, along with implications for Australia’s defense and fostering hostility among lifelong friends in my community, makes my continued participation in the Nationals’ Party Room in Canberra under this policy impossible,” he explained.

The veteran MP also expressed discontent with the Nationals leadership’s decision to restrict Joyce from campaigning outside his constituency during the last federal election.

“I regard Barnaby as a friend, a fellow fighter, and a bold conservative in the federal parliament as a member of The Nationals,” she shared in a social media post.

National Party Senate leader Bridget McKenzie said Joyce’s announcement was “a sad day both for me and for our great party”.

“I consider Barnaby a friend, a fellow warrior and a courageous conservative in the federal parliament as a member of The Nationals,” she said in a social media post.

Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie said Barnaby Joyce leading the party in both houses and serving as deputy prime minister was “no small achievement”. Source: Facebook / Senator Bridget McKenzie

“We have fought many battles together and have had our own fierce policy debates.

“Throughout it all, I have found Barnaby a man of faith, of passions, and I regard him as a leader with a deep and abiding love and patriotism for our country.”