Australian looks set for climate sceptic deputy PM

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (L) speaks to Australian Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce (C) as Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss sits next to them in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, February 11, 2016. REUTERS/Lukas Coch/AAP

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will likely inherit a hard-right, climate change sceptic for his deputy after the retirement of his current No.2 on Thursday, an appointment that could block any revamp of an emissions trading scheme.

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, an outspoken lobbyist for the nation's farmers and for tougher controls on foreign investment, is the leading candidate for the job traditionally held by the coalition government's minor partner, the Nationals.