Nationals leader David Littleproud says he still wants Barnaby Joyce in the party, amid rumours the New England MP is planning a defection to One Nation.

Mr Joyce announced yesterday he would not re-contest his lower house seat at the next federal election, citing an irreparable breakdown in relations with Mr Littleproud.

He left open the option of joining One Nation.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson confirmed she had been in talks previously about Mr Joyce joining the party.

Mr Littleproud said leaving the Nationals for One Nation would be abandoning important decisions to join a "protest party".

"We want him to stay in the National Party, we think he has a contribution to make between now and when he retires," Mr Littleproud told Channel Nine.

"We have got some big decisions to mak

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