In a message sent to party members on Saturday morning, Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has revealed that he will not contest the seat of New England at the next federal election; however, New England Times has confirmed he has not resigned from the National Party.
The email from Joyce appears frustrated and cranky, blaming others on the timing for his announcement being stolen from him by stories that he was joining One Nation.
“In regards to my political career I would have preferred more time to collect my thoughts and if required make a later announcement as required but this opportunity has been removed, so now I must come to a decision,” it read.
“My relationship with the leadership of the Nationals in Canberra has unfortunately, like a sadness in some marriages, irreparably broken down.”
Joyce has been subjected to a series of personal attacks and leaks that intensified following stumbles in the National Party leadership that lead to the coalition being broken for a period of time, including being dumped from the leadership.
“After the election being moved on for ‘generational change’ and just the atmospherics in the party room, where I am seated in the far corner of the Coalition in the chamber, means I am seen and now turning into a discordant note. 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.”
Despite widespread reports and fanciful speculation that he was going to defect to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, Joyce has not quit the party, only stated that he will not contest New England again.
“I will not be standing for New England again but will complete my term as promised at the last election.”
“I will leave with the greatest of love for all and money in the electorate bank account.”
“I am free to now consider all options as to what I do next.”
As he often does, he expressed concern and affection for the members of the party who are frequently targeted for online abuse fuelled by political speculation and commentary against him personally.
“I hope that the members understand the unfortunate position I am in and the obvious action after a period of consideration I must take. I wished I had been given more time to consider this and don’t know the motives of those who put the story out there.”
“I am so desperately sorry as to the hurt this may cause and close with the deepest of affection for you all.”
Speculation about potential contenders has already begun, with phones ringing hot amongst the politically active groups in the New England about gearing up for an open seat race.
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