Barnaby Joyce is many things to many people. He’s the nemesis of undeclared dogs, a former New Zealander, and sensationally, a new father. Now, the Nationals backbencher has affirmed his desire to hold onto one other designation: elected member of federal parliament.
Speaking to Fairfax Media, the Member for New England voiced his intention to stick around in order to contest the next election.
That’s despite a seemingly unending string of controversies surrounding Joyce, culminating in his decision to sit for a paid interview with Channel 7 about his affair with former staffer Vikki Campion and their newborn baby, Sebastian.
“Of course I am running again – the first people I would tell if I wasn’t would be the electorate,” Joyce said.
That affirmation comes after extended rumblings from within the Nationals camp that Joyce should hang up his hat.
Former Nationals chief and deputy prime minister John Anderson recently questioned whether Joyce would be better off just calling it a day, instead of trundling off to the next election and expecting the W.
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has also voiced her opinion that Joyce should quit.
So, it appears Joyce is rusted on – until the next election, at least.
