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Dugald Saunders Quits as NSW Nationals Leader
Dugald Saunders cited family reasons for stepping down after two and a half years, triggering a leadership contest ahead of the next election, Nationals MPs said.
- Dugald Saunders has resigned as NSW Nationals leader, quitting after two and a half years and confirming his immediate resignation in a media statement.
- Internal tensions with the Liberals over climate policy strained the coalition as state Nationals MPs offered 'in principle' support last week to abandon the federal net zero emissions by 2050 target, with Nationals sources saying Saunders struggled to find a compromise.
- Potential successors include Paul Toole, Gurmesh Singh and Steph Cooke, with Michael McCormack saying `If she wants to put a hand up, I'd certainly support that` about Cooke.
- Saunders said he is stepping back to focus on family and allow a new leader ahead of the next election, while continuing as Dubbo's local member and shadow minister.
- Saunders's background includes work at the ABC during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and party colleagues expressed surprise, with Michael McCormack saying, `He has always stood up for regional people's interests and I wish him all the very best for the future`.
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NSW Nationals leader shocks fellow MPs with surprise resignation
NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders has quit after a two-and-a-half-year tenure in a move that has "surprised" some party colleagues.Dubbo MP Saunders confirmed his immediate resignation in a statement to the media, describing his decision to step down as a "difficult" one."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 said.READ MORE:…
·Australia
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Sydney Morning Herald+5 Reposted by 5 other sources
Dugald Saunders quits as NSW Nationals leader
Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders stunned colleagues when he released a statement on Monday.
·Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
13%
12%
Factuality
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