Barna-Bye! Barnaby Joyce Resigns as Deputy Prime Minister

He's calling it a "circuit-breaker".

After weeks of speculation and controversy, Barnaby Joyce has decided to step down at the leader of the National Party and as the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.

"On Monday morning, at the party room, I will step down as the leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia," Joyce said in a press conference today.

"This has always been about the incredible privilege that I'm so humbled by, to have been, the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia."

He will retain his position as the representative for New England, which he was re-elected to mere months ago after a citizenship debacle.

Joyce also hit out at those who leaked the stories of his personal life to the press and believs Australia should re-think how they read controversial stories.

He also explained he won't comment on the allegation of sexual harassment levelled against him that was released to the media yesterday, referring that matter to the West Australian police.

Malcolm Turnbull's office released a statement thanking Joyce for his service as Deputy Prime Minister.

"I thank Barnaby for his service as Deputy Prime Minister and in his various ministerial roles in which he has been a fierce advocate for rural and regional Australia," the statement read.

"This partnership [between the Liberal Party and National Party] is undiminished and will continue to deliver opportunity and security for all Australians."

There is no word yet on who will replace Joyce but there are suggestions it will either be Riverina MP Michael McCormack or Lyne MP David Gillespie.

Photo: YouTube (Guardian News)