Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has opened up about his “gut-wrenching” decision not to stand for the seat of New England again as his political future remains in limbo.

Mr Joyce revealed on the weekend that he would not be contesting his seat at the 2028 election and would be leaving the National Party at the end of the current term.

His looming exit from the Nationals after 20 years has led to speculation Mr Joyce may join Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

Speaking to Sky News Australia on Thursday night, the former deputy prime minister likened politics to a marriage and described the emotions which went along with the recent developments as “pretty gut-wrenching”.

Asked whether there was a chance he would “stick with the Nationals” going into he next election, Mr Joyce said it was “pretty u

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