Sussan Ley says Barnaby Joyce’s future is ‘his decision’ as speculation grows over possible One Nation move

Sussan Ley has not counselled Barnaby Joyce not to jump ship to One Nation, with the Liberal leader saying that was a decision for the now-independent and the National Party.

Mr Joyce formally quit the Nationals on Thursday but has yet to announce a widely expected decision that he will either join One Nation or run for it at the next election, possibly in the Senate.

He insisted he was still deciding whether his future lay in continuing to pursue a political career or looking for a private sector position.

Mr Joyce’s departure came days after One Nation leader Pauline Hanson made good on a promise of a home-cooked meal with a well-publicised steak dinner in her parliamentary office.

Ms Ley said she speaks with Mr Joyce regularly, although she avoided revealing whether that included having got in touch after his Thursday announcement.

But she hadn’t asked him not to change parties.

“I haven’t, because … these are decisions for him. What he does is a matter for him. He’s not a member of my party room,” she told Sky News.

“We’re friends, and over the years, I’ve checked in on him from time to time, because the collegiate relationships many of us have in the building, sometimes it’s overlooked by people outside the building, but it’s important to keep those things front and centre.”

Nationals leader David Littleproud said voters would cast their judgement on Mr Joyce.

“It’s disappointing that he’s broken a contract, with the National Party,” he told ABC’s Insiders.

“I’ll let the Australian people make up their mind, and normally they don’t like people who leave a party and go to another one, but that’s the beauty of our democracy.”

But he didn’t levy major criticism at the defecting former leader, not even when asked whether Mr Joyce was a “rat”.

“I don’t think commentary from the sideline helps anybody. I’m focused on moving forward as a party room, and continue to build on the wins that we’ve created,” he said.

“Barnaby hasn’t joined One Nation but he’s made a significant step, and my door’s always open, phone’s always on.

“I have no animosity towards Barnaby Joyce. I never have.”

Mr Joyce said on Thursday that he hadn’t heard from either Mr Littleproud for his deputy Kevin Hogan, other than a “90-second phone conversation” since he said about five weeks ago that he would separate from the Nationals’ party room.