Gurmesh Singh new Nationals deputy leader after Bronnie Taylor quits state politics

A NSW Nationals party room meeting has elected a new deputy leader following Bronnie Taylor’s announcement that she will quit politics.

NSW Nationals deputy leader Bronnie Taylor has announced she will quit politics after almost a decade in NSW Parliament, with the senior Upper House MP announcing on Thursday that she would leave at the end of August, saying “now is the right time”.

Ms Taylor was first elected to parliament in 2015, serving as minister for women, and minister for mental and regional health in that time.

She told The Daily Telegraph she did not plan to contest next year’s federal election, saying “at this point I have no plans — but I never say never”.

“After nine years as a Member of the NSW Legislative Council, I have decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from the NSW Parliament,” she said in a statement.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve as the first female Deputy Leader of the NSW Nationals in more than 100 years and the first-ever NSW Minister for Regional Health.”

Bronnie Taylor speaking at the NSW Woman of the Year Awards in 2023. Picture: Tim Pascoe

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh in the new Nationals deputy leader in NSW. Picture: Supplied

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh was elected on Thursday afternoon unopposed as the new deputy leader of the party, with Nationals leader Dugald Saunders saying “Gurmesh is extremely well equipped for the position and will add a new dimension and perspective to the leadership team”.

Ms Taylor paid tribute to her staff and family in a statement following her resignation.

“I am forever grateful to the members of the NSW Nationals for giving me the honour of representing our party, our people, and our communities. Your support and trust in me have been invaluable.

“A huge thank you to my staff, valued stakeholders, and friends for all your support, guidance, sacrifices, and incredible faith in me,” she said.

“Lastly, to my husband, Duncan, an incredible man who has always been beside me, and his support has never wavered.

“To my girls, Hannah and Holly, thank you – you have always been my guiding compass.”

Her resignation comes two days after senior Liberal MP Matt Kean announced he’d quit politics.

Ms Taylor’s resignation creates a casual vacancy, with the National Party to preselect another candidate who will serve out the remainder of her Upper House term, which ends in 2031.

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