By Jeremy Sollars
Maranoa MP David Littleproud has come out swinging in support of embattled Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, as a push emerges from within Nationals ranks for Mr Joyce to quit.
Mr Joyce is fighting for his political life after revelations his partner and former media adviser Vikki Campion is pregnant with the couple’s child, and allegations jobs were created for her in the offices of other Nationals politicians after their relationship became known within Nationals ranks.
Some are predicting he could resign today, Wednesday 14 February, but it seems clear Mr Joyce still has the support of key Nationals figures, including Mr Littleproud.
Mr Littleproud told ABC Radio this morning those in the party “who want to keep this issue lingering on need to put up or shut up”, and insisted that Mr Joyce and his family be “left alone”.
He also stated “there is no leadership issue to be resolved” and that Mr Joyce had the “support” of the Nationals party room.
Nationals federal whip Michelle Landry has publicly back Mr Joyce, as has north Queensland MP George Christensen.
National media are reporting that a number of federal Nationals MPs have approached Mr Joyce, urging him to consider his position as the party frantically tries to contain the fallout from the revelations.
Mr Littleproud – who was recently appointed federal Agriculture minister – is a close political and personal friend of Mr Joyce and it is believed Mr Littleproud’s ministerial appointment by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was made at Mr Joyce’s instigation, as part of a cross-party deal ahead of a cabinet reshuffle late last year.
Updates to follow at www.freetimes.com.au
