Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson has been elected unopposed as the new deputy leader of the NSW Nationals, joining newly installed leader and Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh at the helm of the state party.
The pair were elevated at a swift early morning party room meeting in Sydney on Tuesday, less than a day after the sudden resignation of former leader Dugald Saunders.
Mr Singh assumed the leadership without challenge. He arrived at parliament flanked by Mr Anderson and Upper House MP Sarah Mitchell ahead of the vote.
Mr Singh, a blueberry and macadamia farmer turned MP, said the state Nationals under his leadership would be aligned with the federal party on energy.
“It is an honour to be elected by my peers to lead the NSW Nationals, alongside Deputy Leader Kevin Anderson,” he said in a statement.
“Sarah Mitchell will continue to serve in the NSW Nationals leadership team as our leader in the Upper House.
“Our team will continue to represent regional NSW to the very best of our abilities.”
He also thanked the outgoing leader for his service.
“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.”
The new leader used his first press conference to immediately take aim at Premier Chris Minns, saying the Labor leader may have “aura” but his government was “not doing a lot”.
“We’ve got a tough fight ahead of us between now and the next election, but the polling for this government is not strong, with two-thirds of men and three-quarters of women not preferring Chris Minns as their premier,” Mr Singh said.
“So whilst we understand the bloke’s got aura, the reality is, they’re a government who’s not doing a lot, they’re talking a lot.
“They held a lot of reviews in the first couple of years of their term, but right now they’re really, really light on delivery, and that’s what the people of NSW will judge them on, and right now they’re judging them poorly.”
Mr Singh also dismissed discussion of identity politics, despite being the first Indian Sikh leader of a major political party.
“I’ve never seen myself as anything but Aussie, so that’s for other people to define. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed by the label by any stretch, but it’s not the way I see myself.
Mr Anderson’s elevation followed what insiders described as a “fluid” and fast-moving contest that continued until minutes before the vote. He ultimately secured the deputy role without challenge.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan was among the first to congratulate the new leadership team.
“Congratulations to Gurmesh Singh on being elected as the new Leader of The Nationals in New South Wales, alongside his new Deputy Leader Kevin 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.”
He said the pair had worked closely together during difficult periods for the North Coast.
“Gurmesh is a strong voice for regional New South Wales and a tireless advocate for his community. His election as leader is well deserved recognition of his hard work, integrity and commitment.”
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