‘Act of treason’: Barnaby Joyce quits National party sparking anger from former colleagues

Backbencher says he is ‘strongly considering’ move to One Nation but has not confirmed next stepsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastBarnaby Joyce says he will resign from the National party, a move denounced by one former colleague as a “an act of treason” after Joyce told parliament he was seeking “a better position” than the Coalition backbenches.The backbencher did not confirmed if he would – as widely speculated – seek to join One Nation, or remain as an independent crossbencher. But he said he was “strongly considering” joining the party, reaffirming his plan to not contest the next election as the member for New England while holding the door open to a Senate run. Continue reading…