Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, who revealed in parliament last year that his 24-year marriage had broken down, is expecting a baby with a former member of his staff.
The Leader has contact Mr Joyce’s office, however they declined to comment. Rumours of the affair and baby surfaced during the New England by-election in October but they have not been confirmed.
RELATED ARTICLE: Nationals fear membership numbers could take a hit due to revelation
During the by-election, The Leader pursed Mr Joyce over his marriage breakdown and the pregnancy rumours. The day before the election, questions were sent him regarding allegation of a mistress, however his office refused to answer the questions and queried their relevance.
The staffer is Mr Joyce's former media adviser Vikki Campion, 33, according to News Corp.
The couple have reportedly moved in together, and their baby is due in April.
Related article: Natalie Joyce releases statement: ‘This is devastating’
Mr Joyce, 50, has four daughters from his marriage to Natalie Joyce. The family home in the outer-Tamworth suburb of Loomberah is being shopped around.
In January, Mr Joyce updated his register of interests to declared he had been gifted “post election residual of six month tenancy on Armidale premises”.
“It’s something I view as none of my business,” Labor frontbencher Tony Burke told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.
"This ricochets and affects families. There’s a principle here that I’ve always abided by to not engage in anything that hits the private lives of other members of parliament."
During the debate on same-sex marriage legislation, which he opposed and abstained from voting on, Mr Joyce said he supported traditional marriage, even though they often break down.
“The current definition of marriage has stood the test of time - half of them fail, I acknowledge that,” Mr Joyce said.
“I’ll acknowledge that I'm currently separated, so that's on the record.”
