Senior Liberals rubbish Barnaby Joyce’s claim of talks over deal with One Nation as ‘figment of his imagination’

A former Nationals leader has sparked controversy by suggesting One Nation could negotiate a deal with Liberal Party figures to form a minority government, potentially undermining the ruling Labor administration. Senior Liberals dismissed the claims as baseless, accusing the politician of attempting to reverse his recent party switch amid growing skepticism over his motives. The denial from a key Liberal figure underscores deep divisions within the opposition over potential alliances ahead of the next election. The allegations come as the politician, who joined One Nation late last year, insists he has engaged in discussions about securing parliamentary support.

Joyce would not say which Liberals he had spoken to, while Angus Taylor denied any conversations had taken placeSenior Liberals have rubbished claims by Barnaby Joyce that he has discussed One Nation offering the Coalition a pathway to minority government after the next election, accusing him of buyers remorse after defecting from the Nationals.Joyce, who defected to join Pauline Hanson’s party in December, claimed on Tuesday night he had held talks with senior Liberals about a potential deal for supply and confidence to oust Anthony Albanese from power. Continue reading...