By Max Maddison and Alexandra Smith
NSW Nationals MP Dugald Saunders has resigned as leader with immediate effect.
“For the past two-and-a-half years I have had the privilege of leading the NSW Nationals – today I am stepping down from that position,” he wrote in a statement.
Former NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders.Credit: AAP
“It’s been an honour to lead the parliamentary team during a challenging time in opposition and I’ve always done my best to represent regional NSW.”
Saunders stunned colleagues when he sent a sudden message to MPs, which was sent to the media five minutes later. One senior Nationals MP said there was no warning that his resignation was looming.
More to come.
Max Maddison is a state political reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Alexandra Smith is the State Political Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.
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