The NSW Nationals Party Room met this morning following Dugald Saunders' decision to stand down as Leader.
Gurmesh Singh has been elected Leader in an uncontested ballot, while Kevin Anderson was elected unopposed as Deputy Leader. Sarah Mitchell will continue to serve as Nationals' Leader in the Upper House.
Mr Singh, the Member for Coffs Harbour, said it is an honour to be elected to lead the Party.
"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," Mr Singh said. "Our team will continue to represent regional NSW to the very best of our abilities."
NSW Nationals Chair Rick Colless has expressed support for the new leadership team.
"Since his election to the NSW Parliament in 2019, Gurmesh has been a strong and proven performer. Before entering politics, he was a leading figure in agriculture as a fourth-generation horticulturist and contributed to business and agri-politics in the Coffs Harbour region," Mr Colless said.
"Gurmesh has consistently advocated for both the Coffs Harbour community and regional NSW as a whole during his time in Parliament," Mr Colless said.
"Kevin brings additional experience to our leadership, having served as the Member for Tamworth since 2011 and as a Minister in the previous Coalition Government."
Mr Colless said that as we approach the critical 2027 NSW General Election, The Nationals are committed to ensuring that regional voices are clearly represented. The new leadership team possesses the expertise, determination, and vision necessary to lead the NSW Nationals into the next election.
Federal Nationals' Leader, David Littleproud, has congratulated Mr Singh and Mr Anderson.
"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.
"I know Gurmesh will do a fantastic job taking up the fight to Labor and also fighting for common sense."
Deputy Federal Nationals' Leader, Kevin Hogan, has also congratulated Mr Singh and Mr Anderson
"Gurmesh is both a friend and a colleague. As one of the first Sikhs elected to Parliament, as part of The Nationals family, I am proud of his achievements," Mr Hogan said.
"Gurmesh 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."
On behalf of the Party, Mr Colless also extended gratitude to Dugald Saunders for his dedication and service as Leader over the past two and a half years.
