Barnaby Joyce, Australia's former Deputy Prime Minister, has announced his resignation from the National Party, sparking outrage among his former colleagues. The move has been described as an "act of treason" by a former colleague, with many feeling betrayed by Joyce's decision to leave the party.
Joyce cited a lack of communication and support from the National leadership as reasons for his departure, stating that he had been left on the "ejection seat". However, his comments have been widely seen as a slap in the face to the party, which has supported him throughout his career. The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, accused Joyce of breaking a contract with voters and said the party's support for him was not repaid.
The move comes after weeks of speculation about Joyce's future, including his close relationship with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. While Joyce did not confirm whether he would join One Nation or remain as an independent crossbencher, his statement left little doubt about his intentions.
Former National Party colleagues, including Michael McCormack and Senator Matt Canavan, have expressed disappointment and sadness at Joyce's departure. However, some sources within the party appear to be relieved that the saga is finally coming to an end.
The defection has significant implications for the Nationals' chances of retaining regional seats in the next election. One Nation has been gaining momentum in rural areas, and many believe that Joyce's move will only serve to boost their campaign.
As Joyce exits the National Party, his legacy is now likely to be defined by this dramatic departure. While he was once a prominent leader within the party, his actions have left him isolated and on the fringes of Australian politics.
Joyce cited a lack of communication and support from the National leadership as reasons for his departure, stating that he had been left on the "ejection seat". However, his comments have been widely seen as a slap in the face to the party, which has supported him throughout his career. The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, accused Joyce of breaking a contract with voters and said the party's support for him was not repaid.
The move comes after weeks of speculation about Joyce's future, including his close relationship with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. While Joyce did not confirm whether he would join One Nation or remain as an independent crossbencher, his statement left little doubt about his intentions.
Former National Party colleagues, including Michael McCormack and Senator Matt Canavan, have expressed disappointment and sadness at Joyce's departure. However, some sources within the party appear to be relieved that the saga is finally coming to an end.
The defection has significant implications for the Nationals' chances of retaining regional seats in the next election. One Nation has been gaining momentum in rural areas, and many believe that Joyce's move will only serve to boost their campaign.
As Joyce exits the National Party, his legacy is now likely to be defined by this dramatic departure. While he was once a prominent leader within the party, his actions have left him isolated and on the fringes of Australian politics.
. I mean, I knew things were tense between him and the leadership, but I didn't think it'd come to this. It's like he's making a break for it, just like that time Shane Warne left cricket 
. Anyway, I'm not surprised he's trying to jump ship – his relationship with One Nation is pretty scandalous 
. David Littleproud was right to say he broke a contract with voters, though. Joyce's been in politics long enough to know the score. This whole thing just feels like a messy divorce 
...
The Nationals are already struggling to hold onto regional seats, so this is just gonna make things worse. I feel bad for David Littleproud and the rest of his colleagues who have stuck by him all these years. It's like he's abandoning ship without even warning anyone 
. And what's with all the speculation about One Nation? Is he really gonna jump into that boat or will he just sail solo? 
Either way, it's gonna be interesting to watch unfold 
Just think about it, when people leave a group or team because they feel undervalued or unsupported, it's often not just about them leaving, but also about the ripple effect on those who remain behind 
. His decision to leave will leave a power vacuum and create uncertainty among voters, which can be detrimental to the party's chances of retaining regional seats 
. It just goes to show that even when we feel like we're not being heard or appreciated, our actions can have far-reaching consequences on those around us 
. Maybe Joyce should've communicated his concerns more openly instead of going rogue 
?
, sounds like he's more concerned about his own reputation than doing what's best for the country... can't say I'm surprised by his decision, but still kinda sad to see him go 
... Like seriously though, Barnaby Joyce's resignation is just another example of how out of touch they are with the people who elect them. Newsflash: if you leave a party because they don't support you, that's not some high moral ground, that's just being selfish. And now he's off to One Nation, which is basically the same thing 
...
, seems like he's really burnt his bridges with the National Party now 
. his move might actually benefit Pauline Hanson and One Nation in the long run 
. Joyce needs to focus on building a new team and not letting personal grudges get in the way 
. he can't change what's been done now, but he can try to make a comeback if he wants 
. anyway, this is all just speculation at this point, let's see how it plays out 
He was always a bit of a wild card, you know? And now this whole thing with One Nation is just, like, wow... Pauline Hanson must be totes thrilled to have him on her team! 
Anyway, I'm kinda sad that he's leaving the party, 'cause he was always so passionate about what he believed in. But at the same time, it's cool that he's being true to himself and not afraid to take risks. Bring it on, One Nation! 
This could be a major blow to their rural stronghold, and One Nation might just be the beneficiary of his defection. I think it's also telling that some National colleagues are relieved he's leaving – it says a lot about the party's internal dynamics.
. All those years of loyalty and support from his colleagues and voters, and this is how he repays them? No respect at all 
.
. Newsflash Barnaby: it's not about you, it's about serving the people who elected you 
. His relationship with Pauline Hanson is definitely a bit dodgy, and it seems like he's trying to save face after all the drama that went down with his marriage 
and honestly, i'm kinda happy about it? 
like, if it means One Nation wins some seats then yeah good on 'em. less power for Barnaby Joyce tho... 
! 45% of Nationals members want him to resign 
. The defection has already cost the party 5-6 seats in regional areas 
. And let's not forget, Joyce's been a one-man show for years, so this is like taking out the head of a snake and expecting the rest to be okay 
... not gonna happen 
. The Nationals are already losing momentum in rural areas 
one nation is probs gonna win those seats anyways 
and good luck with that, mate! i think its fair to say joey's legacy is pretty much done in the nats though
... I mean, come on Barnaby, can't you just pick a side? This whole thing with One Nation is pretty suspicious if you ask me... Like, what's really going on here? Is it all about the power and the attention? 
I'm not buying it. And to be honest, I think the Nationals are right to feel betrayed by him. He was given a platform and now he just throws them under the bus 
Joyce's not gonna find another party to back him like he had with the Nationals. Poor bloke, thought he could just bail whenever he felt like it? 
He played it cool but those comments about being left out were super snarky... I mean I get that he wanted to leave the party but had to go and roast David Littleproud in the process 
Guess we'll see what the future holds for this drama queen