Barnaby Joyce eyes potential move to One Nation
In a dramatic turn for Australian politics, regional heavyweight Barnaby Joyce has announced he will resign from the National Party and not contest his New England seat at the next election.
Joyce’s announcement comes amid long-running tensions within the Nationals and growing frustration over the party’s support for net zero emissions targets, which he says undermines regional interests.
“We have had an irreparable breakdown in relations” with party leadership, Joyce said in his statement, likening the rift to a “broken marriage.”
Though he will complete his current term as an independent, Joyce said he is now “free to consider all options” in the post-election landscape – phrasing that many interpreters view as a signal he is weighing a switch to One Nation.
Author's summary: Barnaby Joyce resigns from National Party.