NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders has stepped down as the leader of the NSW Nationals. Photo: Facebook.
NSW Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders has shocked his colleagues by suddenly resigning as the leader of the NSW Nationals on Monday (17 November).
Federal Riverina MP Michael McCormack told media the news after giving a press conference on net zero, saying it was a surprise to him.
Mr Saunders has been a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly since 2019, before taking on leadership of the NSW National Party in May 2023.
He currently serves as the Shadow Minister for Regional NSW and the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Trade and Natural Resources.
In a statement released by Mr Saunders, he stated that he decided to spend more time with his family.
“For the past two and a half years, I have had the privilege of leading the NSW Nationals – today I am stepping down from that position,” he said.
“It’s been an honour to lead the Parliamentary team during a challenging time in Opposition, and I’ve always done my best to represent regional NSW.
“It’s a difficult decision, but it is the right time for me to take a step back and focus more on my family and myself.
“It’s also the right time to allow a new leader to take up the fight ahead of the next election.”
The resignation comes as the Coalition grapples with its position on net zero, which has divided the federal Liberal and National coalition.
Mr McCormack applauded Mr Saunders for his time leading the state branch, admitting that time in leadership can take its toll.
“He has represented the Dubbo electorate proudly and loudly, and I wish him well in his continued efforts, because we’re all, at the end of the day, local members, but he has led the NSW Nationals with passion,” Mr McCormack said.
“He has always stood up for regional people’s interests, and I wish him all the very best for the future. I thank him for his service to the party at the state level.”
When asked who he believes could be the front runner as the future leader of the party’s state branch, Mr McCormack put Member for Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke’s name forward.
“Steph Cooke has obviously done a great job, not only as a Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience during a very difficult time with fires and floods. She’s also served the people of Cootamundra proudly,” he said.
“She’s also the Shadow Minister for Crown Lands and Water. If she wants to put a hand up, I’d certainly support that, but that will be a matter entirely for the NSW National Party room.
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Riverina.
