Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has announced he will be stepping down and moving to the backbench, paving the way for for Riverina MP Michael McCormack to contest the party’s leadership.
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“On Monday in the party room I will step down as the leader of the National Party and the deputy prime minister,” he said.
“It’s only fair that there be some clear air.”
Mr Joyce said he had informed his colleagues and the acting prime minister Mathias Cormann.
He will remain the member for New England.
Mr Joyce said that for him it had always been about the voters in regional Australia.
Mr Joyce also took the time to deny the allegation of sexual harassment against him and has asked that it be referred to police.
Mr McCormack was due to attend an event at Ronald McDonald House in Wagga at 1pm on Friday but organisers were told he was unable to attend as his plane was running late.