Locals back Barnaby Joyce in second stint as Nationals leader

Women in Barnaby Joyce’s local electorate have weighed in on his return as Nationals leader after scandals saw him unseated in 2018.

A reflective and contrite Barnaby Joyce vows he has learned from his “mistakes” and is hopefully a “better person” as he moves to allay fears his return to the Nationals leadership will deter female voters.

Mr Joyce previously resigned as deputy prime minister in 2018 after his affair with staffer, and now mother of his two sons, Vikki Campion was exposed, and it was revealed there was an internal party investigation into sexual harassment allegations against him.

Mr Joyce has repeatedly denied the accusations, and the investigation was inconclusive.

Barnaby Joyce addresses the media after retaking the Nationals leadership. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

WA Nationals leader Mia Davies on Monday said she was “disappointed” Mr Joyce had returned three years after she led calls for him to resign, a view that has been privately shared by other women in the party.

Asked if he would turn female voters off the Coalition, Mr Joyce said he had acknowledged his “faults” and spent three years on the backbench.

“I don’t walk away from making sure that I can be a better person to do a better job,” he said.

“I’m reminded by that by the people that I love dearly – my four daughters and my two sons and Vikki.”

Barnaby Joyce, Vikki Campion and their two sons.

Mr Joyce said the sexual harassment allegations against him were “spurious and defamatory”.

Speaking after losing the leadership ballot, Michael McCormack made several pointed remarks about the strength of his personal life and the support he had from his wife Catherine, noting the pair were approaching their 35th wedding anniversary.

“I am really pleased that I leave the deputy prime ministership with the love of my life, Catherine, and the respect of our three children,” he said.

“That is my greatest achievement, having three beautiful children.”

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, who was deposed on Monday by Barnaby Joyce. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Several women from Mr Joyce’s New England electorate told The Daily Telegraph they supported their local MP taking up the leadership.

Tamworth community leader Elva Shumack said she hoped Mr Joyce had “woken up to himself” and learned from past errors.

“Barnaby does have a heart for the country, I hope he might get on with doing something about the mice plague,” she said.

Barnaby Joyce says he will do a better job as leader this time around. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Nearby Barraba local Ally Dixon said she also had “high hopes” Mr Joyce’s second stint as leader would be less dramatic.

Bowls club secretary Vicki Irvine, from Barraba, said Mr Joyce was a “good leader” and his personal life shouldn’t impact that.

“MPs go off the boil sometimes, but he’s back and he should do a good job.”

Local pony club leader Justine George, from nearby Kootingal, said it was “no surprise” Mr Joyce was leader again.

“He has a big following here, he’s always very out and about in the community,” she said.

“Yes he could’ve done things a bit differently during all the drama (in 2018) but he’s probably done his time … it’s great for our area to have someone like him as deputy PM.”

Tamworth Ladies’ Golf president Lynne Collier said she would “support” the Nationals’ decision to make Mr Joyce their leader.

“He’s not the first (politician) to have (scandal) … but he’s always brought good to the New England area,” she said.

Tamworth Physie Club president Jenny Murray said Mr Joyce should be treated respect.

“Good for him, everyone has their moments and in small towns like ours there’s dirt on lots of people,” Ms Murray said.

“But he puts his neck out for us and should be treated equally with respect as leader.”

Originally published as Locals back Barnaby Joyce in second stint as Nationals leader