Barnaby Joyce is reportedly contemplating a significant political shift by leaving the Nationals to join Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.

The long-serving Member for New England began his political career in the Senate in 2004 before transitioning to the House of Representatives in 2013.

Joyce, who once led the Nationals and held the position of deputy prime minister, saw his political standing within the party dramatically decline in 2018. This came after he stepped down from both roles due to controversy surrounding his relationship with former staffer Vikki Campion.

Pauline Hanson expressed her openness to the idea, stating, “If Barnaby wants to come to One Nation, I’d be happy to have him.”

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Joyce is in “advanced talks” to make this move, a development that could deliver a significant setback to the Nationals and might inspire others to consider joining the right-wing One Nation.

The Coalition has struggled with some internal frustrations under the leadership of Sussan Ley, who was elected in May to replace Peter Dutton following Labor’s landslide victory at the polls.