Barnaby Joyce Ducks Questions About Potential One Nation Leadership

Barnaby Joyce has sidestepped inquiries regarding his potential leadership of One Nation following his announcement that he will not seek re-election for his federal seat of New England. During a television interview on Monday, Joyce was asked directly by *Sunrise* host Nat Barr whether he had been approached by One Nation leader **Pauline Hanson** to take the helm of the party. Joyce’s response was notably evasive, stating, “No! You amaze me,” and elaborating that he had spoken to Hanson briefly about six weeks prior.

The former leader of the **Nationals** made headlines over the weekend when he confirmed he would not be contesting his seat in the upcoming election. This decision comes less than six months after his re-election, citing a “broken relationship” with the party’s current leadership under **David Littleproud**. Rumors have circulated that Joyce could be eyeing a Senate position with One Nation, possibly positioning himself as a successor to Hanson.

In the interview, Barr pressed Joyce on whether he intended to lead One Nation, but he carefully avoided giving a direct answer. “I am not going to get salami sliced,” he remarked, indicating that he had not yet made any firm decisions regarding his political future. He acknowledged that he had not even been home to discuss matters with his family since his announcement.

Joyce’s decision not to recontest his seat was influenced by his deteriorating relationship with Littleproud, which he characterized as detrimental to both himself and the party. “I don’t think it’s conducive to a harmonious party room for them or, to be honest, for me,” Joyce stated. He further emphasized that the situation had become untenable, implying that it was best for him to move on.

The swirling rumors about his potential defection to One Nation caught Joyce off guard while he was attending a fundraising event for the Nationals. “It makes a speech a bit awkward,” he admitted, reflecting on the unexpected nature of the reports. When questioned about the source of the leaks, he suggested it was likely someone who “doesn’t like me or wants to help me much.”

Joyce’s comments come against a backdrop of political tension within the Nationals, with opinions from other political figures also varying widely. **Tanya Plibersek**, a Labor minister, weighed in on the unfolding situation, expressing indifference to what she described as “whatever circus is going on” within Joyce’s former party.

As the political landscape continues to shift, Joyce’s next moves remain uncertain. His reluctance to clarify his intentions regarding One Nation adds another layer of complexity to an already dynamic situation.

The coming weeks may reveal whether he will indeed pursue a role with One Nation or chart a different course entirely. For now, Joyce appears focused on navigating his recent departure from the Nationals while keeping his future options open.