November 27, 2025
Former National Party leader Barnaby Joyce has announced he is quitting the party and will sit on the cross-benches for the rest of his term in Federal Parliament.
The Member for New England told reporters on Thursday afternoon he would not recontest his seat at the next election but would consider running for the Senate, possibly with One Nation, although he had not made any decision.
Mr Joyce said he was leaving the Nationals with “a heavy heart” but claimed he had been pushed to leave, saying he had not been able to work through a breakdown in relationship with current party leader, Member for Maranoa David Littleproud.
“I’ve had no communication with either leader of the National Party or the deputy leader of the National Party to try and resolve this,” Mr Joyce said.
“With a heavy heart, and I apologise for all the hurt that that will cause other people. I really do.”
Mr Joyce has been a member of the Nationals for 30 years.
He was elected to the Senate at the 2004 Federal Election before switching to the House of Representatives at the 2013 election when he stood for New England.
He served two terms as Deputy PM, in 2016-18 and 2020-21.
* * *
Nationals Leader David Littleproud released a statement on Thursday afternoon:
“Barnaby Joyce’s decision to leave The Nationals is disappointing.
“It breaks the contract he made with the people of New England at the 2025 Federal Election.
“It is disappointing for the people of New England and disappointing for the loyal National Party members who tirelessly volunteered over the past two decades to support his political ambitions.
“The Nationals supported Barnaby through the tough times, including during his darkest moments.
“The original conversation I had with Barnaby was to encourage him to stay in our party room and that I believed he could continue to make a contribution to our party room.
“Barnaby made it clear to me he wanted time and space to consider his future and asked me to respect that.
“I respected that request but made sure my public statements reflected my desire for him to stay.
“Barnaby has chosen to walk away from The Nationals’ team – a strong team that fights for regional Australia and delivers genuine solutions for regional Australians in Government.
“The Nationals will continue to fight for regional Australia and work as a team to get things done for local communities.
“We are getting on with campaigning to abandon Net Zero and deliver The Nationals’ Cheaper, Better, Fairer energy and climate plan.
“Our focus is always on the needs of the people and communities who provide us with the great honour of representing them and regional Australia in the Australian Parliament.”
[UPDATED]
