Today we held a party room meeting to elect a new Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals after Bronnie Taylor announced her decision to leave parliament later this year.
I would like to welcome Gurmesh Singh to the role after he was elected unopposed.
Gurmesh is extremely well-equipped for the position and will add a new dimension and perspective to the leadership team.
He will continue to represent his Coffs Harbour electorate with determination and provide the added voice for the North Coast.
Member for Clarence Richie Williamson has been elected the new Nationals Whip.
Our Leader in the Upper House Sarah Mitchell and I look forward to working closely with Gurmesh and Richie as we focus together, with our colleagues, on representing the interests of our communities across regional NSW.
I would like to thank Bronnie for her nine years of service as an MP, in which she has fought tirelessly for the regions.
During that time, she proudly served as the first female Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals, as well as the first Minister for Regional Health.
She has delivered positive outcomes in the health and mental health space and became the first minister for both regional health and regional youth.
It has been my absolute privilege to work closely with Bronnie as my Deputy over the past year.
She has set an incredible standard around integrity and always stands up for what’s right.
She’s a very close friend who will be missed dearly and I wish her all the best for the future.
