WASHINGTON: The crisis surrounding embattled National Party leader Barnaby Joyce has followed the Prime Minister all the way to Washington, where Malcolm Turnbull has stopped short of endorsing his deputy’s continued leadership.
“I’ve got nothing to add to what I’ve said already in Australia,” Mr Turnbull told reporters during a press conference outside the White House.
“Barnaby Joyce is the leader of the National Party of Australia.”
“As leader of the National Party of Australia in a Coalition government he is my Deputy Prime Minister.”
“The leadership of the National Party is a matter for the National Party.”
Victorian Nationals MP Andrew Broad last night called on Mr Joyce to resign.
"It is time he takes a step back, regains some credibility and works through some issues he needs to work through," Mr Broad said.
Mr Turnbull's visit to the United States will continue through to the weekend before the prime minister returns to Canberra for parliament on Monday, when the Nationals party room is also meeting to discuss Mr Joyce's leadership.
