Nationals leader David Littleproud has defended his leadership despite New England MP Barnaby Joyce abandoning the party after two decades .

Speculation was rampant over the weekend that Mr Joyce is joining One Nation after quitting the Nationals, amid reports Pauline Hanson is trying to convince a range of high-profile Coalition figures to defect.

The firebrand former deputy prime minister has announced he will not contest his New England seat at the next election, calling his relationship with Mr Littleproud “irreparable”.

Despite the internal fracture of his party and the potential departure of senior Nationals, Mr Littleproud told Sky News host Laura Jayes he was “relaxed” about his leadership.

“I'm really relaxed. I just focus on my job in bringing the collective together and fo

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