David Littleproud urges Barnaby Joyce to stay in the Nationals amid speculation of a jump to One Nation

<p>Nationals leader says maverick MP still ‘has a contribution to make between now and when he retires’</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/oct/19/anthony-albanese-donald-trump-washington-meeting-aukus-tariffs-counter-protests-anti-immigration-march-for-australia-rallies-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>The Nationals leader, David Littleproud, has urged Barnaby Joyce stay in the party after the maverick MP announced his intention to quit and consider “all options” – prompting speculation of a possible defection to Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.</p><p>The former deputy prime minister <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/18/barnaby-joyce-decision-to-leave-nationals-heightens-speculation-about-one-nation-move">announced on Saturday</a> he would not stand for his New South Wales seat of New England at the next election. He cited an irreparably broken relationship with the Nationals’ leadership, but would see out the rest of the parliamentary term.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/19/david-littleproud-calls-for-barnaby-joyce-to-stay-in-the-nationals-amid-speculation-of-a-jump-to-one-nation">Continue reading...</a>