Voters in Barnaby Joyce's electorate seem largely unfazed by his apparent flirtation with One Nation and decision to not recontest the seat of New England at the next election.

The former Nationals leader said in a statement over the weekend that his relationship with the party's current leadership had, "like a sadness in some marriages", irreparably broken down.

Kootingal resident Darrell Henrey said Mr Joyce had been a good local member and deserved the opportunity to determine his own political future.

"He is controversial sometimes, he says what he thinks and that's going to get a bit of reaction from people, but I don't mind a bit of controversy," Mr Henrey said.

" If he wants to go and join One Nation … I don't have a problem with that either. "

Alison McSkimming said Mr Joyce

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