Barnaby Joyce: The Nationals have only had one party coup

THE Nationals have only witnessed a party coup once — in 1989. Even then, the circumstances were unusual.

KYLAR LOUSSIKIAN

less than 2 min read

February 14, 2018 - 11:01AM

NSW

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THE Nationals have only witnessed a party coup once — in 1989.

Even then, the circumstances were unusual. It was a double coup, with Nationals leader Ian Sinclair dumped at the same time John Howard was knifed by Andrew Peacock.

Charles Blunt became the leader of the Nationals, replacing Sinclair who had served more than five years as leader.

Under pressure: Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce. Picture: Kym Smith

“Although the National Party today elected a new leader it doesn’t represent a change in direction or a change in philosophy,” Blunt said after his election in a two-hour party room meeting.

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The coup was swift — 10 Nationals MPs approached Sinclair, coincidentally also the MP for New England — and by the next afternoon, he was gone.

Ian Sinclair was dumped in 1989.

But Barnaby Joyce appears to be digging in, unlikely to go in the same swift manner in which the Nationals dispatched Sinclair.

Four or five MPs appear to be pushing for Joyce to go, while several prominent Nationals including Agriculture Minister David Littleproud, George Christensen and chief whip Michelle Landry have hit back, describing the Deputy Prime Minister as their “greatest asset”.

But the pressure is on.

Joyce is under pressure over his relationship with Vikki Campion.

Liberal MPs are livid with the distraction caused by the junior Coalition partner and are being less circumspect about it by day.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop this morning suggested she would cancel plans to be overseas next week “if circumstances change” and return to be acting prime minister in place of Joyce when Malcolm Turnbull visits Donald Trump.

Sinclair is in many ways like Joyce.

Howard described him as one of the most “naturally gifted politicians” he had known.

But in one way, he was not.

Nine Network footage showed Sinclair packing his office following the coup nearly three decades ago — flanked by his wife, Rosemary.