Nationals leader David Littleproud says Barnaby Joyce hasn’t quit the party yet and thinks he can talk his colleague – and old leadership rival – into staying put and continue making a contribution.

Mr Joyce’s announcement to Nationals members in his seat of New England on Saturday that he wouldn’t recontest the next election has fuelled speculation the political veteran could jump ship to One Nation and potentially return to the Senate.

His letter to members likened his relationship with Mr Littleproud to a marriie that had “irreparably broken down”.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson told the ABC she thought Mr Joyce was “more aligned with One Nation’s policies than the National Party” and that he was at loggerheads with the “moderate and progressive” Mr Littleproud.

The Nationals lead

See Full Page