COFFS HARBOUR MP Gurmesh Singh has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Nationals, following the shock resignation of Dugald Saunders earlier this week.
It is the latest promotion for Mr Singh, a former macadamia and blueberry farmer from Woolgoolga, who was named Deputy Leader of the NSW National Party in June 2024.
Mr Singh ran unopposed in a party vote on Tuesday morning to be elected leader, less than 24 hours after Mr Saunders’ exit, who cited family reasons for leaving the top job.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is the new deputy leader, while Sarah Mitchell MLC remains the party’s leader in the Upper House.
Mr Singh, who was first elected to parliament in 2019, said it was an honour to lead the party forward.
“Our team will continue to represent regional NSW to the very best of our abilities,” he said.
“The wellbeing of regional communities is at the heart of everything we do, and I thank my party room colleagues for affording me the opportunity to continue the great work of the Nationals across NSW.”
He also thanked Mr Saunders for his “leadership and guidance” in recent years.
Congratulating him on the promotion, Federal National Party leader David Littleproud praised Mr Singh’s “wealth of experience”.
“I look forward to working with Gurmesh and I know he has a lot to offer, including his lived experience as a former blueberry and macadamia farmer and knowing about the challenges our farmers are facing.
“In the lead up to Christmas, regional Australians are feeling the pain of Labor’s ideology, by what’s coming out of their wallets.
“I know Gurmesh will do a fantastic job taking up the fight to Labor and also fighting for common sense.”
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said Mr Singh is a “strong voice for regional NSW and a tireless advocate for his community”.
“His election as leader is well deserved recognition of his hard work, integrity and commitment,” he said.
Mr Saunders, who serves as the Member for Dubbo, steps down after two and a half years in the leadership position.
“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,” he said in a statement to media on Monday.
“It’s also the right time to allow a new leader to take up the fight ahead of the next election.
“I will continue to serve the people of the Dubbo electorate as their local member.”
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