Joyce Won't Recontest, May Join One Nation

Barnaby Joyce has announced he will not recontest his New England seat, saying his relationship with Nationals leadership is "irretrievably broken down," and will remain in parliament for the term while he considers his options. Multiple media outlets report Joyce is actively considering or in advanced talks to defect to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, a move Hanson has welcomed. Joyce and his allies cite being sidelined to the backbench, campaign restrictions and disagreement with the Nationals’ support for a net‑zero by 2050 target as key grievances. Nationals leader David Littleproud has urged Joyce to stay and said party figures will seek to engage with him, while Joyce has not formally resigned from the party. The potential switch has intensified speculation about further fragmentation of the Coalition after the 2025 election and follows other recent defections and internal tensions.