A Nationals MP has slammed Barnaby Joyce in the wake of last week’s controversial television interview, stating that the former federal party leader needs to completely withdraw from politics.
NSW Nationals MP Kevin Humphries suggested that the Sunday Night interview – for which Joyce and ex-staffer Vikki Campion were paid $150,000 – was the final nail in Joyce’s coffin as far as Nationals party members were involved.
‘To be rescued from this is virtually impossible,’ said Humphries, in conversation with Ten Eyewitness News.
‘He pretty much wrote his political death warrant last week with that interview.’
NSW Nationals MP Kevin Humphries has slammed Barnaby Joyce (pictured) in the wake of last week’s controversial television interview, stating that Joyce needs to completely withdraw from politics
‘To be rescued from this is virtually impossible,’ said Humphries (pictured). ”He pretty much wrote his political death warrant last week with that interview.’
Humphries went on to suggest that standing down was the only sensible option for both Joyce and the party – particularly with the next federal election coming down the pipeline.
‘I think he needs to make sure that the transition to the next election is a smooth one and the best way to do that by serving his people is to bow out,’ he said.
Humphries is the first sitting Nationals MP to publicly call for Joyce to withdraw.
‘I’m not standing at the next election so I can speak freely and my views reflect my colleagues here at the state level and I believe pretty much at the federal level as well.’
‘I think he needs to make sure that the transition to the next election is a smooth one and the best way to do that by serving his people is to bow out,’ said Humphries in conversation with Ten Eyewitness News
Several of those colleagues further alleged that Joyce – who is currently on medical leave following the Campion affair scandal – had recently contacted them in an attempt to force their vote against a bill relating to abortion centres.
The bill would see ‘safe zones’ set up around NSW abortion clinics, and has already been passed in the upper house.
It is set to go to a conscience vote in the lower house on Thursday.
Joyce, who is currently on medical leave, also allegedly contacted several party members recently in an attempt to force their vote against a bill relating to abortion centres
Multiple NSW Nationals MP have reportedly claimed that Joyce’s intervention in political affairs is unwarranted, given the ongoing turmoil in his private life.
Several party members have also suggested that Joyce will lose his seat if he stands.
Nationals leader Michael McCormack has said that he will support Joyce if he runs again, but insists the final decision rests with party members in his electorate.
Nationals leader Michael McCormack has said that he will support Joyce if he runs again, but insists the final decision rests with party members in his electorate
Mr McCormack stressed he would support any Nationals candidate who got the support of local branch members, including Mr Joyce.
‘If he puts his hand up, good luck to him. The leader doesn’t get to choose his team,’ Mr McCormack told Sky News.
‘I’ll welcome any person who gets pre-selected for the National Party.’