National Party Leader David Littleproud Nationals leader David Littleproud says he holds “no animosity” towards Barnaby Joyce and is leaving the door open for the New England MP to return, despite describing Joyce’s departure from the party as breaking a “contract” with the people who elected him.
Speaking on ABC’s Insiders, Littleproud said Joyce’s decision to resign from the Nationals was “disappointing”, particularly for volunteers and members who had worked to return him to Parliament only seven months ago.
“The fact that he’s taken a significant step to walk away from the membership, from the people who put him there, that invested their time for no financial gain but their belief in our movement… that hasn’t sat well,” Littleproud said.
Littleproud’s comments echoed those of state party President Rick Colless to New England Times that the team is what matters, and Joyce’s decision to resign from the party has caused some anger and disappointment.
Littleproud stressed that Joyce had not yet joined One Nation and said he remained willing to talk.
“My door’s always open, phone’s always on. I had no animosity towards Barnaby Joyce – I never have,” he said.
Littleproud said Joyce had struggled with leadership decisions made after the 2022 and 2025 elections, including his removal from the frontbench to make way for others like Ross Cadell.
“That hasn’t sat well with Barnaby, I accept that,” he said. “But unfortunately, when you’re leader, you have to make tough decisions.”
Litleproud defended the Nationals’ stability and direction, arguing the party had set the national agenda on issues including the Voice, energy and emissions policy. He acknowledged recent departures, including former MPs Andrew Gee and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, but said the party remained strong.
“You never take anything for granted in politics, but I think the Nationals are holding up very strong… because we’ve taken the time to get policy right.”
“I’m focussed on moving forward as a party room.”
Pressed repeatedly on whether Joyce should resign from Parliament, triggering a by-election in New England, Littleproud said it was not his decision.
“That’s a decision for Barnaby Joyce to make,” he said. “We want to make sure that the people in New England are represented with the contract that they signed up to, but ultimately… that’s for him.”
There is little appetite for a by-election, with both the New England Times Engage Poll and political operatives across the spectrum indicating a clear expectation that Joyce will serve out his term as the member for New England.
As for whether Joyce poses a threat should he join One Nation, Littleproud said he was not worried but remained cautious. “You never take anything for granted in politics,” he said.
The Insiders panel said Nationals figures had been applying a “full court press” to stop Joyce from taking the next step and joining One Nation, and noted the party’s clear messaging that Joyce would be welcome back into the New England’s traditional party.
They also observed the attention-grabbing nature of Joyce’s recent public appearances, saying the extended drama around his departure had “kept everyone talking” and may indicate he has already made up his mind about his future direction.
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