Labor’s secret weapon? Defeated Liberal MP claims Barnaby Joyce even less popular than Scott Morrison

MP reveals prime minister's office urged Joyce to stay off national and metro media, but Nationals leader disputes he is unpopular

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Barnaby Joyce has hit back after a defeated Liberal MP claimed the Nationals leader was an even bigger drag on the government's vote in metro areas than the prime minister, Scott Morrison.

Joyce told Guardian Australia the Liberals should not wallow in their loss" after the outgoing Liberal MP claimed women in blue-ribbon metro seats were not for turning" and deserted" the government because independents successfully linked Liberals to Joyce.