CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
Ever since jumping the fence six months ago, former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has faced relentless criticism from his former National Party colleagues.
But their petty pot shots aren't going to bring down Brokeback Barnaby, who is now thriving as one of leading figures in 'Australia's gayest party'.
After nearly two decades spent living the lie as a hard-drinking rural advocate who was tortured by Catholic guilt, the Member for New England now has a new lease on life.
And it seems that the voters couldn't be happier for him, as he dominates the polls - with One Nation outperforming the National Party on every single survey this year.
However, his former workmates from the Nats are dismissing this mid-term surge - with many writing off Joyce's popularity as nothing more than him 'being the flavour of the month'.
Furthermore, the 59-year-old political renegade is now being vilified against for his newfound 'urban' aesthetic.
These criticisms were unfortunately only compounded by the news that Barnaby Joyce has bought himself a Tesla e-vehicle and a gorgeous little bolthole in Darlinghurst.
"He's lost the smell of gum leaves" says former Nationals colleague, Colin Boyce.
"Now he's well and truly lavender-scented, if you know what I mean"
However, Barnaby refuses to be pigeon-holed as nothing more than a terrace house dwelling inner-city bon vivante who has a taste for Ben Quilty paintings and a bold merlot.
To silence these rumours, he's gone bush.
And booked himself two weeks in the Priscilla Suite at the iconic Mario's Palace Hotel in Broken Hill.
"Can't get more outback than this" he scowls, as he makes his way up past the stunning murals that run alongside the pub's spiralled timber staircase.
"I might actually stay a bit longer. I can still campaign in Victoria from here"
"Plus they've got Broken Heel festival in September and the Fleetwood Mac tribute act is coming through too"
