Maverick MP Barnaby Joyce won't be booted from the National Party despite increasing speculation he will defect to right-wing rivals One Nation.

The former deputy prime minister said his "less than spectacular" relationship with Nationals leader David Littleproud contributed to his plan to leave the junior coalition party and his decision not to recontest his NSW seat of New England at the next election.

The news fuelled rumours Mr Joyce would join Pauline Hanson's One Nation, conjecture the outspoken MP did little to extinguish on Monday.

"I think they do a good job," he told ABC Radio on Monday.

"On (net zero), I suppose One Nation is not barking mad like others are.

"I'm not saying yes, I'm not saying no. I'm saying I'm not going to entertain this discussion."

Mr Joyce pointed to

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