Victorian Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan quits politics

Steph Ryan says she is “immensely proud” to have served as the deputy leader, but will leave politics to spend more time with family.

Steph Ryan, member for Euroa, is leaving politics.

Victorian Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan will quit politics at the November election.

The 36-year-old, who is pregnant with her second child, confirmed she will walk away from politics in a bid to spend more time with her young family.

“After a great deal of reflection, I have decided to step down as the Member for Euroa at the coming state election,” Ms Ryan said in a statement to the Herald Sun on Tuesday night.

“With a little one at home and another on the way, it is time for me to seek a job that offers greater flexibility.

“Serving my community as the first member for Euroa has been the honour of a lifetime.”

Ms Ryan said she is “immensely proud” to have served as the deputy leader of The Nationals for the past eight years.

She is the first woman in the party’s history to be elected to a leadership position, state or federal.

“I want to thank our leader Peter Walsh and my colleagues for their friendship and unwavering support over that time,” Ms Ryan said.

Nationals leader Peter Walsh said Ms Ryan had been a “driving force for positive change for regional Victorians”.

Mr Walsh said Ms Ryan, who comes from a dairy farming family, has an “unmatched passion, loyalty and dedication” to her regional communities.

“Steph has always been driven by a strong sense of integrity and justice which has carried through in her Shadow Ministerial responsibilities,” he said.

Steph Ryan (right) with the Liberal leader Matthew Guy and Georgie Crozier. Picture: Mark Wilson

“None, more so, than her dogged pursuit of truth and transparency in government.

“Steph’s efforts to hold the Andrews Labor government to account over its relationship with Crown Casino have ultimately led to the establishment of the Royal Commission.

“Steph leaves this role, and her roles in the Shadow Cabinet, with a proud record of championing a better future for country people where it’s needed most.”

The lower house seat of Euroa takes in the towns of Benalla, Heathcote, Nagambie, Seymour and Rushworth.

Ms Ryan said the duty of serving her electorate has always been her first priority, but that she is unable to continue that commitment.

“I believe our community deserves someone who can devote 150 per cent of their time and energy to representing them. In reality that means someone who can give freely of weeknights and weekends and that, at this stage in my life, is not compatible with my wish to be more present for my family,” she added.

“I leave my role firm in the belief that The Nationals are as important to country communities today as they were 100 years ago.

“Country people need a party that works together as a team to represent the unique challenges we face.

“The greatest pleasure of this job has been the opportunity it has afforded me to meet every day people doing extraordinary things.

“Thanks to the talent and ingenuity of the people who call it home, our region’s future is bright.”

Ms Ryan said she would spend the next six months ahead of the election to “work tirelessly to see a new government led by Matthew Guy and Peter Walsh elected to ensure regional Victoria and my communities get their fair share”.