Party spill puts Joyce back at head of Nationals

Barnaby Joyce has been elected leader of the Nationals in a tumultuous party spill that may restore him to the position of deputy prime minister after he prevailed against Michael McCormack. Joyce defeated McCormack in a party room ballot that concluded shortly before 11.30am yesterday, local time, one hour after the Nationals met to end days of speculation about their leadership. The challenge came when Joyce’s close friend and ally, former resources minister Matt Canavan, moved a spill motion against McCormack.