The Queensland-based Liberal National Party senator returned to his former hometown to start his campaign against independent  New England MP Tony Windsor at this year’s federal election.

But firstly, Senator Joyce must win the support of his party.

Nominations closed for National Party preselection in New England at 5pm yesterday and Senator Joyce will have just one rival for candidacy.

Former high school teacher David Gregory  has put his hand up to take on Senator Joyce.

Mr Gregory, 34, is best known for successfully suing the state government in 2009 for almost half a million dollars for the bullying he experienced as a student at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High in Tamworth.

He has since written a book about the experience.

He claimed older students called him names like “midget”, “nazi” and “loser”. 

National Party members in New England will make their preselection vote in Tamworth on Saturday, April 13.

Senator Joyce said he welcomed the competition from Mr Gregory. “I just want to see the best outcome for New England and the party,” he said.

“This isn’t about me, it’s about the people of New England.”

Senator Joyce made a whistlestop tour of the region last week, starting at Tamworth before heading north to Armidale.

“Don’t be fooled by what people say, New England is still my home,” he said.

“I grew up in the electorate, I went to school here ... I even represented both New England and Central North in rugby.

“Just because I don’t live here any more, doesn’t mean it’s not home.”

Senator Joyce said he had no qualms about stepping into the candidacy shoes previously filled by Richard Torbay.

“It was quite a shock to me that Richard had problems,” he said.

“At the time, it was quite obvious to me that Richard was very popular in the region and it would have been foolish for me to try and confuse people by standing against him [at preselection].

“Now I feel quite comfortable putting my hat in the ring.”

While policies will follow preselection, Senator Joyce said it was up to the Coalition to rebuild Australia following the September election.

“Let’s not beat around the bush, there is going to be a Coalition government after the election,” he said.

“The challenge is going to be getting things done in tight financial times.

“[Prime Miniser] Julia Gillard has racked up some massive debts under the Labor-Greens-Independent alliance.”

Asked whether he expected the National Party to beat Mr Windsor at the upcoming election, Senator Joyce stopped short of declaring victory.

“It will be an extremely hard campaign,” he said.

“If you looked at the numbers at the last election you would call me crazy for trying to run in this seat.

“But I don’t walk in blind ... I believe we can beat Mr Windsor and win New England if we put together a good campaign.”