One Nation Senator Sean Bell has rejected suggestions of a split between Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce after the party leader suggested her daughter could eventually become her successor.
Ms Hanson made the comments during an interview with British right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, in which she praised Lee Hanson’s political potential but said she would have to earn the support of the party.
The comments renewed speculation about the future leadership of One Nation, with former Nationals leader Mr Joyce previously viewed by some as a possible successor after joining the party last year.
But Mr Bell dismissed claims of internal tension, saying One Nation remained focused on its political agenda rather than reports about disagreements within the party.
“One Nation’s strong, we’re united, and we’re focused on getting results for the Australian people,” Senator Bell told Sky News on Friday.
“I mean, that’s where our heads are at. You look at the fantasy that some left-wing media are publishing, and you sort of just, you have to shake your head. Because it is a distraction. They’re attempting to distract from the real issues, and that is the Albanese Labour Government’s failure to keep energy prices under control.”
Mr Bell said claims of division were being pushed by political opponents and the media to distract from issues One Nation believed were important to voters.
“One Nation is the most united party in the entire country,” he said.
“If you’re looking for division, look no further than the Liberal Party.”
Mr Joyce also rejected suggestions of a breakdown in his relationship with Ms Hanson, saying the pair remained close.
“Pauline and I are great mates. We spoke yesterday, we spoke exactly about what people are trying to do, trying to divide us up,” Mr Joyce told Nine’s Today show on Friday morning.
“We’re not dumb, we’ve both been around.
“Between the two of us it is about 50 plus years in politics. We’ve played this game before, and we get along very well and I’m very happy in the role I’ve got.
“Pauline’s doing a great job as the leader.”
According to The Age, sources close to Mr Joyce claimed the former Nationals leader privately criticised Ms Hanson’s decision to appear with Mr Robinson.
He is said to have claimed it showed a lack of understanding about how the move could be received by voters.
One Nation and Mr Joyce have rejected the claims.
One source familiar with One Nation’s internal dynamics described growing unrest within the party.
“It’s falling apart rapidly. Barnaby and Pauline are in constant disagreement,” the source said.
“No one likes Malcolm (Roberts) and everyone is keeping their eyes on (James) Ashby. Throw Lee’s ascension to the throne into the mix and it’s not a happy place.”
The comments came after Ms Hanson’s appearance on Mr Robinson’s podcast, where the pair discussed migration, national identity and concerns about the future direction of Australia and Britain.
During the interview, Ms Hanson said her daughter had surprised her when she decided to enter politics before the last federal election.
“She’s a cluey kid. She’s quite smart and highly respected – in the positions that she’s held, wherever she’s worked, they didn’t want to lose her,” Ms Hanson said.
“She took a cut in wages to come across. She said: ‘I know that if I don’t stand up … I’m frightened of where the country’s going.’
“It’s great to work with her. She’s the future. She’s got the softer approach.”
When asked whether Lee Hanson could eventually lead One Nation, her mother said there would be no special treatment because of their family connection.
“She’s got the potential, but I don’t believe in nepotism. And she has to prove herself – not only to me, but also to the other members and to the public, and everything like that,” she said.
“That’s something she has to earn.”
Mr Bell also defended Ms Hanson’s decision to meet with Mr Robinson, saying the One Nation leader was standing up for Australian values during her overseas trip.
“I fully support Senator Hanson. She is the strongest leader Australia has ever had,” he said.
“She is overseas speaking at CPAC, and she is standing up for Australian values.
“She knows that our country faces challenges like never before.”
Ms Hanson’s UK trip has attracted criticism following her meeting with Mr Robinson and a visit to his hometown of Luton, where she said she was surprised by the changes she saw.
“I’m gobsmacked because I wouldn’t think that I was in England,” Ms Hanson said during the visit.
“I definitely don’t want Australia to become like this.”