Barnaby Joyce vows: ‘I’m not going anywhere’ amid leadership challenge speculation

Barnaby Joyce has declared he’s ‘not going anywhere’ as rumours swirl of a leadership challenge in the Nationals party room.

Barnaby Joyce has declared that he’s “not going anywhere” as rumours swirl of a leadership challenge in the Nationals party room in the wake of Saturday night’s election results.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Mr Joyce said, regarding rumours that either Darren Chester or David Littleproud might consider challenging their leader and calls for the Liberal party to become more “moderate” to court so-called “teal” voters.

Barnaby Joyce campaigning in Alice Springs.

“I stand on the premise that we held every seat, we won a senate seat, and we got within striking distance of two other seats against a massive tide,” Mr Joyce said.

“Wouldn’t the Liberals have loved to have the result we had.”

While refusing to be drawn on internal Liberal party machinations, Mr Joyce said that his Coalition counterparts should avoid competing on turf they can’t win.

Possible contenders David Littleproud pictured

with Mr Joyce and Darren Chester

“The Liberals have to work their own stuff out, but you can never get more Labor than the Labor Party, and you can’t get more teal than the teals.”

“You can’t believe that they own the political dialogue, you’ve got to argue your case cogently.”

“If you do that, cogent people will make a cogent decision,” Mr Joyce said.