National Party leader David Littleproud says Barnaby Joyce’s decision to leave the party was “disappointing” and that he had broken his contract with those who elected him.
“It is disappointing for the people of New England and disappointing for the loyal members of the National Party who have volunteered tirelessly over the past twenty years to support his political ambitions,” Littleproud said in a statement on Thursday.
Littleproud said the party had supported Joyce through “difficult times” and his “darkest moments” and that he had been encouraged to stay.
“Barnaby has chosen to walk away from The Nationals team – a strong team fighting for regional Australia and delivering real solutions for regional Australians in government,” he said.
“The Nationals will continue to fight for regional Australia and work together as a team to get things done for local communities.”
Previously, the former deputy prime minister used the last day of the session to give a short speech to the House in which he announced his decision.
He cited disagreements with Littleproud.
“After thirty years with the National Party, I am resigning from the party. And that leaves me with a heavy heart,” he said.
“What I have to do, if I want to continue that fight, is put myself in a better position than the ejection seat from the backseat of the Coalition in Opposition.”
Joyce said he was concerned about the tackling of the cost of living, regional communities and hospitals, and the increasingly “provocative” Chinese government.
However, it is unclear how he will continue to advocate for these issues as his political future remains uncertain.
He previously led the party twice and announced earlier this year that he would not contest his New England seat again in 2028.
That could leave the door open for him to win a seat in the Senate.
Tipped to join One Nation
There had been speculation in recent weeks that Joyce would resign and join One Nation, and he had been asked several times about his plans.
“I just don’t want a circus. I’m trying to wait until the end of the sitting week,” Joyce told 2GB radio on Monday when asked about his political future.
But he later told reporters on Thursday that he had not yet decided whether he wanted to join One Nation.
But former National Party colleague and current senator Bridget McKenzie previously told reporters Joyce’s reputation would be “destroyed” if he joined One Nation.
“He has done serious things and his legacy is significant, but that will be undone if he goes to One Nation. I think that is the big difference and that is the question he will have to ask himself.”
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