Senior figures in the Liberal Party have dismissed recent claims by Barnaby Joyce that he has discussed a potential deal with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party, suggesting such a deal would allow the Coalition to form a minority government after the next election. Joyce, who left the Nationals in December to join One Nation, said on Tuesday night that he had spoken with senior Liberal leaders about a possible agreement involving supply and confidence votes to remove Labor’s Anthony Albanese from power. However, Liberal MPs have largely rejected these claims, calling them unsubstantiated. Joyce stated that if One Nation won more seats than the Coalition, the party would offer support to the Liberal-National Coalition in exchange for policy outcomes aligned with One Nation’s agenda. He emphasized that the party would expect clear recognition of its role in shaping legislation and a formal process for reviewing bills. However, Joyce did not name specific Liberal figures he had spoken to, nor did he confirm whether the discussions involved opposition leader Angus Taylor or other shadow ministers like Matt Canavan, the Nationals leader. One Nation has ruled out entering into a formal coalition with the Liberal and National parties, but Taylor has suggested the Coalition might consider governing in a minority capacity if One Nation guarantees it will not oppose government legislation. Some Liberal figures, including South Australian powerbroker Alex Antic, have urged the party to work closely with One Nation, but others have been more skeptical. Liberal deputy leader Jane Hume dismissed Joyce’s claims, calling them an attempt to “clutch at straws” and stating the Coalition was focused on defeating Labor, not engaging in discussions with One Nation. Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson called the alleged talks a “figment of Barnaby’s imagination” and suggested Joyce was expressing regret over his move to a party where he no longer holds influence. Wilson accused Joyce of breaking promises to his electorate and to his former party. In response, Joyce called Wilson a “clown” and said One Nation would not be in a coalition with him, questioning how the Coalition could secure supply and confidence without sufficient numbers.