The political landscape in Australia was shaken on Thursday as former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce officially resigned from the party, a move swiftly condemned by his former colleagues and signalling an expected alliance with Pauline Hanson's One Nation.
A Resignation Met With Disappointment
Announcing his departure in parliament, Joyce stated his resignation left him with a 'heavy heart' after 30 years with the National Party. He apologised for the hurt his decision would cause. The move follows a complete breakdown in his relationship with current Nationals leader, David Littleproud.
Littleproud responded quickly, releasing a statement that repeatedly labelled Joyce's defection as 'disappointing'. He emphasised the party's unwavering support for Joyce 'during his darkest moments', a likely reference to past controversies including Joyce's affair with a staffer and a subsequent video showing him intoxicated on a Canberra footpath.
The Breakdown and a New Alliance
Littleproud revealed he had tried to persuade Joyce to remain and contribute to the party, but Joyce refused, requesting 'time and space to consider his future'. Joyce justified his resignation by stating he needed to find a more effective way to stand up for regional Australians.
His political realignment became clearer when he was photographed dining with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson on Monday night. Joyce has previously indicated his policy priorities, such as opposing the net-zero emissions target, now align more closely with One Nation's agenda.
Reactions and Political Fallout
The defection has drawn sharp criticism from within the Nationals. Senator Matt Canavan questioned the logic of joining a party with a poor electoral record, asking if Joyce really wanted to 'join the circus'. Canavan described the situation as a 'longer saga than Days of Our Lives', suggesting many are weary of the drama.
Littleproud's statement concluded by asserting that Joyce's decision 'breaks the contract he made with the people of New England' and pledged that the Nationals would continue fighting for regional Australia without him.
