Australia's deputy prime minister to step down after sex scandal

Joyce, a populist from rural Australia and a crucial member of Parliament’s governing coalition, had previously admitted to an affair with a former staffer, who is pregnant. The Australian news media was reluctant to report on the relationship with the woman, Vikki Campion, until it was discovered that the couple were living rent-free in an apartment donated by a supporter.

Later, two women came forward to accuse Joyce of sexual harassment and misconduct.

Friday’s news conference came less than 24 hours after the second of those women came forward with allegations that Joyce had harassed her.

Joyce, through a spokesman, denied those allegations.

“This current cacophony of issues has to be put aside, and I think it’s my responsibility to do my bit to make sure that happens,” Joyce said at the news conference.

Joyce said he would step down Monday as leader of the National Party and deputy prime minister, but would continue to serve in Parliament as a member representing his New England constituency.

The scandal, nicknamed #Barnababy by the Australian news media, led Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to introduce a new code of conduct barring ministers from having sexual relations with their subordinates.

Turnbull, who is on a trip to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump, issued a statement thanking Joyce.

“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,” Turnbull said.

Joyce, a social conservative who aggressively espoused what he called family values and fought against legalizing same-sex marriage, had been under pressure to resign for weeks. But it was only recently that members of his own party turned on him and called on him to step aside.

“Barnaby Joyce’s resignation shows us that no matter how much we might romanticize Australian politics — particularly rural politics — the numbers still matter at the end of the day,” said Jill Sheppard, a lecturer at Australian National University’s School of Politics and International Relations.

Joyce has weathered scandal in the past. Last year it was discovered he held New Zealand citizenship, effectively making him ineligible to hold a seat in Parliament. Joyce renounced his citizenship, ran again in his district and won, eventually becoming deputy prime minister.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Australia's deputy prime minister to step down after sex scandal

“I’ve acknowledged that in many areas, I’m rough around the edges,” Joyce said at a news conference in the city of Armidale. “I never tried to be anything else.”

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