New England MP Barnaby Joyce has regained his position as leader of the Nationals following a leadership spill, deposing Michael McCormack from the leadership.
This means Barnaby Joyce is set to become the new Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Michael McCormack.
Joyce quit his role as Nats leader and Deputy PM in 2018 after a scandal with a staffer and allegations of sexual assault. Michael McCormack took his place.
Joyce has been described as a “renegade”, outspoken on a range of issues from the backbench, particularly passionate about climate change policy and the Nats agricultural portfolio.
The Nationals deputy’s position remains the same, with Agricultural Minister David Littleproud holding the position.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is currently at home in quarantine after having flown to the UK and Europe for the G7 meetings. Although Scott Morrison is in isolation, he is able to continue to act as PM using technology to participate in Parliament and hold meetings via video.
Joyce has been chosen today as party leader, however he will need to undertake official proceedings and be sworn in as a Minister and Deputy PM before he can start making demands; for example saying the Biloela family be granted the right to stay in Australia.
Michael McCormack has responded to his demotion by announcing briefly at a press conference that “this is a democracy”.
Barnaby Joyce is yet to brief the media.
Leader of the opposition Anthony Albanese has delivered a powerful message stating the Coalition Government is busy “rolling each other” instead of rolling out vaccines.
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