'Ball's in his court': Joyce urged to decide next move

Barnaby Joyce admits his relationship with David Littleproud has broken down. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS

Maverick MP Barnaby Joyce won't be booted from the National Party despite increasing speculation he will defect to right-wing rivals One Nation.

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The former deputy prime minister said his "less than spectacular" relationship with Nationals leader David Littleproud contributed to his plan to leave the junior coalition party and his decision not to recontest his NSW seat of New England at the next election.

The news fuelled rumours Mr Joyce would join Pauline Hanson's One Nation,