Barnaby Joyce has confirmed he has joined Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, less than a fortnight after quitting the Nationals.

The announcement was made on Monday morning in Tamworth, in his New England electorate, when the pair ended months of speculation by appearing together as guests on local radio station 88.9FM.

Joyce said he will continue representing New England until the next federal election, after which he will lead One Nation’s NSW senate ticket.

“I have always been very straightforward about asking Mr Joyce to join our team, and on making it clear this was always his decision,” Hanson said.

“I am pleased he’s chosen One Nation, and I welcome his experience, his advice and his determination to get a fair go for farmers and regional Australia.”

Joyce, a former deputy prime minister and leader of the National Party, resigned from the Nationals on November 27, citing an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with current leader David Littleproud.

At the time, he said he was seriously considering a tilt at the Senate, potentially with One Nation.

Speculation about the move increased after Joyce was seen dining with Hanson at Parliament House over a wagyu steak cooked on a sandwich press.

Making his announcement on Monday, Joyce said he was “firmly of the view” that standing for One Nation as a senator for NSW was the best choice for him.

“I will let the voters be the ultimate arbiter of that decision.”

BREAKING NEWS – BARNABY JOINS ONE NATION

It’s official! We have made our announcement on 88.9FM in Tamworth – Barnaby Joyce has joined One Nation and has accepted the parties offer for him to lead the NSW senate ticket at the 2028 federal election.

Welcome on board,… pic.twitter.com/luHsPbgyr2

— Pauline Hanson 🇦🇺 (@PaulineHansonOz) December 8, 2025

During the Tamworth radio interview, Joyce described himself and Hanson as “fellow travellers”, adding that he respected the One Nation leader, who he said had “driven the political agenda”.

“Now I’m really going to focus back on the Australian people,” he said.

“There will be some hurt in this decision and I understand that.”

Littleproud said Joyce’s decision was disappointing for the people of New England and for the “loyal National Party members who worked day and night volunteering to support him”.

“The Nationals supported Barnaby through many difficult times, including during his darkest moments,” Littleproud said.

“Barnaby has chosen to turn his back on The Nationals and on his electorate and instead join a party of protest, which is never able to achieve anything other than headlines.”

Hanson – who stirred controversy last month by wearing a burqa in the Senate – said she looked forward to working with Joyce, who she claimed would strengthen One Nation’s position in parliament.

“We won’t stop fighting to end mass immigration, dismantle net zero, and lower the cost of living,” she said. “We won’t stop fighting for the Australian people who want their country back.”

–with AAP