A long-time colleague of Barnaby Joyce in the National Party has expressed "some hope" the former deputy prime minister will reverse his decision not to run for his seat again.

Mr Joyce announced he would not compete for the seat of New England at the next election, ending his long relationship with the Nationals.

The announcement followed speculation about Mr Joyce potentially defecting to Pauline Hanson's One Nation, and taking over as leader when Ms Hanson retires.

The former leader of the Nationals said he was now a "free agent" after his relationship with current leader David Littleproud had broken down over the years, like a bad marriage.

"Without being too flippant to talk about this relationship, we all know that during the campaign I was asked basically not to campaign for t

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