Barnaby Joyce is expected to announce his long-awaited decision on his political future this afternoon.
The former Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader is expected to reveal his departure from the party to join Pauline Hanson’s One Nation during a speech in the House of Representatives at 1.30pm.
Joyce has been flirting with the idea of joining Senator Hanson’s party after becoming disillusioned with the National and Liberal parties stance on net-zero policy.
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The Coalition’s backflip to opposing the policy in the past fortnight is apparently too late, as Joyce took Hanson up on an offer of a meal in her office on Tuesday.
The pair were laughing and smiling as they enjoyed wagyu steak from Gina Rinehart-owned 2GR, along with red wine, salad and a berry pie.
Joyce would not only bring his seat of New England with him if he were to defect to One Nation, but also a wave of supporters for the party, which is rapidly gaining on the Coalition.
The latest Newspoll has One Nation’s primary vote at a record high of 15 per cent, and the Coalition on a record low of 24 per cent.
On Monday Joyce was asked when that decision might be made.
“I don’t want any circus,” Joyce told reporters in Canberra.
“I am trying to wait until the end of the week.”
Nationals Leader, David Littleproud, says the door remains open for Joyce to stay in the Nationals.
“He’s still a member of the party room and we welcome him back,” Littleproud said on Monday before the dinner between Hanson and Joyce.
“That offer is still there and the party room would be happy for him to walk back in at any time.”
