DHAKA: Barnaby Joyce says he will resign as Australia's deputy prime minister following a politically damaging saga that began with his affair with a former staffer, reports BBC.

Joyce said he would step down on Monday (February 26) as leader of the Nationals, the junior government partner.
He had previously resisted calls to quit amid intense scrutiny over his ministerial conduct.

The scandal has dominated Australian headlines for more than two weeks.

He described his decision on Friday (February 23) as a "circuit-breaker" for his family and new partner.
"This current cacophony of issues has to be put aside," he told reporters.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull issued a statement shortly after thanking Joyce for being "a fierce advocate for rural and regional Australia".

Joyce has previously apologized to his estranged wife Natalie Joyce, four daughters, and Ms Campion, for the public manner in which the scandal has played out.

He has described the breakdown of his marriage as one of "the greatest failures of my life", while Mrs Joyce told media the situation was "devastating".

On Friday, Joyce said he hoped his decision would help his family. "This has got to stop. It's not fair on them," he said.

BDST: 1402 HRS, FEB 23, 2018
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