Barnaby Joyce has firmly dismissed speculation that Pauline Hanson’s controversial European trip has created tensions within One Nation, insisting the pair remain close friends and continue to work together despite weeks of intense public scrutiny surrounding the party leader.

The rumours emerged after Hanson attracted widespread attention during a speaking tour across Europe that included appearances with controversial British activist Tommy Robinson, meetings with conservative political figures and a high-profile stop in Sicily where she was photographed near billionaire mining executive Gina Rinehart.

The overseas trip also coincided with renewed discussion about One Nation’s future leadership after Hanson publicly identified her daughter, Lee Hanson, as someone she believed could eventually succeed her as party leader.

Those developments fuelled media speculation that Joyce, a former Deputy Prime Minister who joined One Nation late last year, may have become frustrated with Hanson’s recent decisions or her comments about succession.

Speaking to Channel Nine, Joyce rejected those suggestions outright.

“We’re great mates,” Joyce said.

“We spoke exactly about what people are trying to do, trying to divide us up. We’re not dumb. We’ve both been around. We’ve played this game before and we get along very, very well.”

Joyce added that Hanson was “doing a great job as the leader” and described their political relationship as constructive, saying they communicate regularly and have no concerns about working together.

His comments represent the clearest public attempt yet to shut down speculation of internal divisions inside One Nation following several weeks of intense media coverage.

The controversy surrounding Hanson’s European tour began after she appeared on a podcast hosted by Tommy Robinson, a British anti-immigration activist whose criminal convictions and political activities have made him one of the United Kingdom’s most divisive public figures.

Reports suggested Joyce had privately questioned whether the appearance was politically wise. However, he has since made clear that differences of opinion over strategy do not amount to a breakdown in their relationship.

Attention then shifted to Sicily, where Hanson was photographed at an exclusive resort near Gina Rinehart during the mining billionaire’s attendance at Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda fashion event.

Political opponents argued the images were difficult to reconcile with One Nation’s image as a party representing everyday Australians. Supporters responded that politicians from all parties regularly maintain relationships with donors and long-time supporters and that Hanson was travelling during Parliament’s winter recess.

Joyce defended Hanson over that episode as well, suggesting there was nothing unusual about spending time with political supporters outside formal parliamentary duties.

The succession debate added another layer of speculation.

While speaking in Europe, Hanson identified her daughter Lee as a possible future leader of One Nation, while emphasising that leadership would have to be earned rather than inherited.

Some observers interpreted those remarks as diminishing Joyce’s prospects of eventually leading the party.

Joyce dismissed that interpretation and publicly supported Hanson’s comments, saying it was entirely reasonable for her to discuss future leadership while making clear that any successor would ultimately need the confidence of party members.

The latest developments come during a period of heightened political pressure for One Nation.

Recent polling has shown the party remains significantly stronger than at the last federal election but has also recorded a decline from earlier highs following several weeks of controversy surrounding Hanson’s overseas appearances and public comments.

Despite those fluctuations, Joyce argued that broader voter dissatisfaction with the major parties continues to benefit One Nation.

He has repeatedly linked the party’s support to public concern over cost-of-living pressures, immigration, energy policy and housing affordability, maintaining that these issues remain far more important to voters than media attention surrounding overseas travel.

Political analysts note that minor parties often face heightened scrutiny over leadership because they are closely associated with prominent personalities.

Since founding One Nation in 1997, Pauline Hanson has remained the dominant public face of the party, making any discussion about succession particularly significant.

Questions about leadership are likely to continue as Hanson considers the party’s long-term future, especially after publicly acknowledging that a new generation of leaders will eventually be required.

For now, however, Joyce says reports of internal conflict have been exaggerated.

His message was straightforward: despite recent controversies and intense media attention, he and Hanson remain politically aligned and continue to work together as close colleagues.

Whether that unity helps One Nation recover from recent political distractions will become clearer as the party returns its focus to domestic issues and prepares for the next stage of Australia’s political calendar.