Could this be Australia’s next deputy prime minister?
BARNABY Joyce’s position as leader of the National Party is in doubt after the MP tipped to replace him repeatedly dodged questions yesterday over whether Mr Joyce has his support.
It comes as a poll shows most Australians think the Deputy Prime Minister should quit and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull acknowledged Mr Joyce’s affair had been “distracting” and “unhelpful” for the government.
The Deputy Prime Minister has taken leave this week as the scandal surrounding his affair with former staffer Vikki Campion continues to damage the government.
Speculation is mounting that Mr Joyce could face a leadership challenge on Monday.
Veterans Affairs Minister Michael McCormack has been named as most likely to replace Mr Joyce added to speculation when he repeatedly dodged questions about his support for Mr Joyce in a television interview.
Mr McCormack was pushed five times to answer the question before he told Sky News: “Of course I support Barnaby Joyce, he’s our leader, he’s been a very good leader.”
He played down speculation there would be a leadership challenge next week but did not rule one out.
“Barnaby Joyce will continue to be the leader as long as he gets the support of the National Party room,” he said.
The latest Newspoll released yesterday revealed 65 per cent of voters believed Mr Joyce should resign as leader of the National Party. The poll by The Australian showed one in five supported him leaving Parliament immediately.
The Newspoll showed Labor leading the Coalition 53-47 in the two-party preferred vote.