Barnby Joyce will step down as Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the National Party.

Mr Joyce announced today he will step down Monday morning but will remain on the backbench.

“On Monday morning, in the party room, I will step down as the Leader of the National party.”

Mr Joyce says he made the decision due to constant “leaking and backgrounding” after revelations he was having a relationship with a former staffer.

“It will destroy any government,” he said.

On going to the backbench, he says, “I won’t snipe.”

He faces a fresh sexual harassment allegation, which he strongly denies.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has responded to the Deputy PM’s resignation.

“I thank Barnaby Joyce for his service as Deputy Prime Minister and his various Ministerial roles in which he has been a fierce advocate for rural and regional Australia.

He announced Member for Groom, Queensland, John McVeigh, as acting Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.