Barnaby Joyce New life with son & partner
This bundle of Joyce has done anything but bring the former deputy PM’s two families together
When Barnaby Joyce arrived home from Canberra, Vikki Campion greeted the man who gave up so much to be at her side with a kiss, tenderly stroking his cheek as they embraced in the front seat of their 4WD.
It was the very definition of a romantic reunion, yet it comes after what insiders reveal has been an incredibly difficult time for Barnaby, 51, following the birth of his and Vikki’s first baby, Sebastian, five weeks ago.
What should have been a wonderful time for any new dad – and Barnaby has said his son’s arrival was “an incredible joy, an incredible blessing” – has to also be tinged with some sadness.
DIFFICULT SITUATION
“I believe he’s really missing [wife] Natalie and the girls and his old life,” reveals a workmate, adding the “jovial and happy bloke who lit up the room when he walked in” has all but gone since his private life became front page fodder.
But then not everyone in Barnaby’s life has become acquainted with baby Sebastian.
The four daughters – Caroline, Bridgette, Odette and Julia – he shares with his wife of 24 years are yet to meet their brother, and it’s not known if Barnaby’s own parents, Jim and Marie, have met either Vikki, 33, or Sebastian.
“The girls are hurting badly, as is their mum, and I know they haven’t met Sebastian,” confirms his colleague. “Barnaby has sent a few pictures of the baby to his girls. Whether or not they come around to the idea of meeting him, only time will tell.
“And Barnaby’s parents are very staunch Catholics who love Natalie and the girls, so I’m sure they don’t want to be disloyal to her. It’s a difficult situation for the entire family. It’s sad to see such a beautiful family in pieces.”
Last week, Barnaby put on a brave face, telling Sky News he was enjoying being a house husband and a hands-on dad.
“When I’m home I do all the cooking, do washing, hang things out, clean around the house,” he said. “I find it, I know it sounds weird, cathartic.”
FAMILY VALUES
The Akubra-wearing Nationals MP certainly never hinted at New Age sensibilities before he was sensationally exposed as being in a relationship with Vikki, his pregnant former media adviser, in February.
Barnaby, who campaigned on family values, was further embarrassed when Natalie issued a statement saying she and their girls felt “deceived and hurt” by the “devastating” affair.
He then outraged women around the country by what some deemed to be “slut shaming” Vikki with the suggestion he may not be the father of her baby, before later confirming he was the dad.
‘The girls are hurting… I know they haven’t met Sebastian’
Friends say they barely recognise the new Barnaby, who is rebuilding his life with Vikki and Sebastian in a $410-a-week rented farmhouse near Armidale in NSW’S Northern Tablelands, where he’s the local member.
“The locals are used to him walking the streets saying ‘G’day’, but now they seem to spend most of their time on that remote property,” explains his mate.
With his salary slashed after he resigned as deputy PM, and Vikki unemployed, it was rumoured last week eek the couple are now attempting ng to sell their story for $100,000. 0.
“Vikki is pressuring ring Barnaby to settle and finalise ise his split because she’s s desperate to be Mrs Barnaby Joyce,” says ays his mate. “I think she wants to be accepted in the community, but it’s a slow process to earn respect in the bush – and everyone loves Natalie.”