The NSW Opposition will lose another high-profile MP with the departure of Nationals deputy leader Bronnie Taylor.
The former regional health and women’s minister plans to leave Macquarie Street after nine years on the job.
Ms Taylor’s resignation follows Liberal Matt Kean’s departure from politics after the former NSW treasurer and energy minister called a snap press conference on Tuesday, and Adam Marshall’s unexpected resignation that has triggered today’s by-election in the Northern Tablelands.
The mother-of-two described her role as the first female deputy leader of the NSW Nationals in more than 100 years and the first NSW minister for regional health as a “tremendous privilege”.
She said she entered politics to improve health outcomes for people in regional communities.
“Regional communities are, and have always been, at the heart of everything I fight for,” she said.
Ms Taylor will continue to serve in the NSW parliament until the end of August but will leave her roles as the shadow minister for seniors, regional health and trade.
Her term in the state’s upper house was due to expire in 2031.
The Nationals wasted no time choosing a new deputy leader with a party room meeting on Thursday afternoon ending with the unopposed election of Gurmesh Singh to the role.
The Coffs Harbour MP said he understood the unique qualities of the job.
“Agriculture is in my blood and I am proud to have followed in the footsteps of my grandfather who was a farmer on the North Coast,” he said in a statement.
“Regional NSW is the backbone of our state, and I will continue advocating for our coastal communities as they face their own unique set of challenges in the current climate, from tourism to natural disasters.”
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