Nationals leader David Littleproud has called on Barnaby Joyce to remain with the party, following speculation that the former deputy prime minister may defect to One Nation. Joyce announced on Saturday he would not recontest his northern NSW seat at the next election, citing an irreparably broken relationship with the Nationals' leadership.
Littleproud told Channel Nine's Today program on Sunday that Joyce 'hasn't tendered a resignation from the National Party' and still has a contribution to make. The announcement came as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson travelled to Joyce's New England electorate to launch a new local branch, following a defection by the Nationals' New England branch to One Nation.
Hanson said she would welcome Joyce into her party, stating he is 'more aligned with One Nation than what he was with the National Party.' Joyce has not confirmed the rumours but said his decision frees him up to consider his next steps. He compared his split with the Nationals to 'a sadness in some marriages.'
The turmoil comes amid a surge in support for One Nation, with a recent Newspoll showing its primary vote rising to 11 per cent, nearly double its performance at the May election. Education Minister Jason Clare said the Coalition is in 'a world of pain' and must decide whether to be 'Howard or Hanson.'
