According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce is reportedly in advanced discussions to defect to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.
The New England MP declined to comment when approached, while Hanson confirmed she would welcome the move, saying she would be “happy to have him” and suggesting other disaffected Coalition MPs could also join.
A potential defection by Joyce would deliver another major blow to the Coalition, which has faced recent instability following the departure of senior MPs Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price from the frontbench. It would also give One Nation a significant profile boost in regional New South Wales, particularly in areas such as New England and the Hunter, where support has been growing.
The talks come amid growing frustration among Nationals members over the party’s stance on renewable energy and environmental regulations. Joyce has been a vocal opponent of wind and solar developments in regional communities, arguing they negatively impact farmers and rural towns.
The speculation follows the resignation of Tamworth branch chairman Steve Coxhead, a senior NSW Nationals official within Joyce’s electorate, who joined One Nation last week. Coxhead said he believed the Nationals “no longer represent regional and rural voters,” citing climate and agricultural policy concerns. Joyce publicly supported Coxhead’s decision, saying people should have the freedom to choose their political affiliation.
Joyce, who led the Nationals until 2022, has been on the backbench since the Coalition’s defeat in May 2025. His profile and outspoken positions on energy and regional issues have made him one of the most recognisable figures in conservative politics outside the capital cities.
