Victorian election: Nationals leader Peter Ryan quits as leader

VICTORIAN Nationals leader Peter Ryan today quit the top job in the wake of the weekend election rout.

VICTORIAN Nationals leader Peter Ryan today quit the top job in the wake of the weekend election rout.

Mr Ryan has been leader of the Nationals for 15 years and will make way for a replacement, which will probably be his deputy Peter Walsh.

His decision to quit comes after a tough election for the Nationals, having lost the seat of Shepparton to an independent and struggling to hold the Latrobe Valley seat of Morwell.

His resignation comes after Liberal leader flagged his decision to quit the leadership.

Mr Ryan said in a statement: “I will not be seeking a further term as Leader of The Nationals when the Parliamentary Party convenes later this week for its first meeting following the election.’’

“It has been my honour and privilege to lead the Nationals in both opposition and government spanning a period of 15 years.

“I am most grateful for the enormous support which has been accorded to me throughout by my parliamentary colleagues, those many committed members of staff with whom I have worked across the years and the party members who are the lifeblood of the Nationals.

“The people of Gippsland South (his seat) have again elected me to represent their interests in the Victorian Parliament and it is my intention to continue to serve on their behalf.’’

FULL COVERAGE: Victoria decides