National Party deputy leader Steph Ryan set to retire

The National Party’s deputy leader Steph Ryan is leaving parliament, creating a political vacuum in the junior Coalition ranks.

A leadership and preselection void has opened up in the Victorian National Party, with the resignation of deputy leader Steph Ryan.

The 36-year-old, who is pregnant with her second child, confirmed she will retire at the November state election.

Her retirement triggers a preselection contest to replace her as the National Party candidate in Euroa, as well as the potential for the Liberal Party to contest the seat.

“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.

“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 was elected deputy leader of the Victorian Nationals following the Napthine Government’s 2014 election loss, just weeks after entering state parliament.

Victorian National Party leader Peter Walsh paid tribute to Ms Ryan, who was expected to succeed the 68-year-old MP as state leader following the election.

“Like so many of our regional leaders, Steph was motivated to step up to be a voice for change after witnessing the desperate neglect and inequity in decision-making on challenges that are facing rural people,” Mr Walsh said.

“Coming from a dairy farming family, Steph’s was one of many who struggled with the devastating environmental, social and economic impacts of the millennium drought.

“Steph has an unmatched passion, loyalty and dedication to her communities.”

Victorian Coalition MPs Steph Ryan, David Davis, Peter Walsh, Matthew Guy, Georgie Crozier, David Southwick. Picture: Sarah Matray

Ms Ryan started her career as a rural journalist before working as a media adviser for then premier Ted Baillieu.

Prior to the 2014 election, the seats of Benalla and Rodney, held by National Party MPs Paul Weller and Bill Sykes respectively, were abolished and fused into the new Euroa electorate.

Ms Ryan won Euroa in 2014 with a primary vote of more than 35 per cent, pushing Liberal Party candidate Tony Schneider into third place behind Labor candidate Clare Malcolm.

She won Euroa easily on primary votes at the 2018 election, with an ultra-safe margin of more than 15 per cent.

With her retirement, the Liberal Party can now contest the seat under the Coalition agreement and the Voices for Indi movement will also have an opportunity to contest the constituency.