Barnaby Joyce, once at the helm of the Nationals, is set to depart from the party due to what he describes as an irreconcilable rift in their relationship. This decision has fueled speculation about a possible shift to One Nation, although Joyce has yet to confirm such plans.

The former leader attributed his departure to fundamental policy disagreements. In a statement, Joyce likened the situation to a personal relationship’s breakdown, saying, “My relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down.”

Joyce cited several contributing factors to his decision, including directives that limited his campaign activities during the federal election to his New England constituency, as these were deemed misaligned with the broader views of the Nationals. Post-election, Joyce faced what was framed as a transition for “generational change,” and has since felt increasingly marginalized, noting his distant seating position in the Coalition’s chamber.

These experiences have left Joyce feeling out of sync with the party’s current trajectory, turning him into what he described as a “discordant note.” He made it clear that this was not the role he wishes to play.

“That is not who I want to be.

“More importantly our position in continuing to support Net Zero with the massive schism and hurt to my electorate, to small businesses, to the environment, to the poor, to the defence of Australia and creating hate between lifelong friends in my community makes continuing in the Nationals’ Party Room in Canberra under this policy untenable.”

Joyce said he will not run for the seat of New England, in northern NSW, at the next election, but will complete his current term.

He is now open to defecting to another party if he wishes.

“I am free to now consider all options as to what I do next,” he said.

Hanson told the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday that she would be “happy” to have Joyce join One Nation if he wanted to.