New Australian Nationals party leader Barnaby Joyce and deputy Fiona Nash were last night congratulated by PM Malcolm Turnbull.
Congratulations @Barnaby_Joyce & @SenatorNash Leader & Deputy Leader of the Nationals!
As the leader of the Nationals party, who share power with Turnbull's Liberals, Joyce is expected to become deputy prime minister in the coming days.
Mr Joyce shot to international fame last year when he promised to kill Jonny Depp's dogs Pistol and Boo after the actor's wife Amber Heard breached quarantine laws by bringing the dogs into Australia without an import permit.
Sorry Captain Jack it is true! #FeelTheBarn
People were pretty excited/amazed by Joyce's elevation and soon started tweeting reactions using the #FeelTheBarn hashtag, a reference to the minister for agriculture's fondness for photo opportunities involving animals.
Dear World, This is the new Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. You may commence mocking now. #auspol #FeelTheBarn
The Deputy Prime Minister. #auspol #feelthebarn
There was incredulity that 2015's #WarOnTerrier affair has apparently boosted Joyce's political career. The dogs were eventually released, but model and actress Heard will face trial later this year.
Only in the Coalition could threatening to kill Johnny Depp’s dogs get you a promotion. #auspol #FeelTheBarn
Some people just couldn't believe the former accountant will be the Deputy PM.
BARNABY JOYCE? #FeelTheBarn CC: @vanbadham
Press gallery reporters shared Joyce's history of outstanding photo ops.
Hey girl #FeelTheBarn
Cuddly Barnaby #feelthebarn
Centrefold Barnaby #feelthebarn
Not Always Dog Hater Barnaby #feelthebarn #pistolandboo
Bearnaby Grylls #feelthebarn
All hail our new animal loving overlord!
Barnaby Joyce elected unopposed as Nationals leader, Fiona Nash elected as Deputy. #auspol