Name: Dugald Saunders steps down as NSW Nationals leader
Uploaded: 2025-11-17T06:13:04.461Z
Duration: 1 min 5 s
Description: Dugald Saunders has resigned as NSW Nationals leader, saying the party faces a difficult period in opposition and needs “a fresh start.” His departure follows internal pressure over strategy and performance, with the Nationals now preparing to select a new leader in the coming days.

Dugald Saunders has resigned as NSW Nationals leader, saying the party faces a difficult period in opposition and needs “a fresh start.” His departure follows internal pressure over strategy and performance, with the Nationals now preparing to select a new leader in the coming days.

Council of the City of Sydney

Dugald Saunders steps down as NSW Nationals leader

Meantime, there is more political turmoil for the Nationals in New South Wales, so let's get straight to John Paul Gonzo. He has more on this story, he's in the newsroom now. JP, this party leader has just quit. Yes, Sandra, a shock decision by Dugald Saunders, who has served as an MP since 2019. He didn't announce this in a press conference and hasn't done any interviews, instead releasing a statement confirming he would step down, describing it as a difficult decision, saying it is the right time for him to focus more on his family. He conceded it has been a challenging time in opposition, with reports of internal disputes over a lack of policy direction and strategy. Opposition leader Mark Speakman paid tribute to his coalition colleague, describing Dugald Saunders as a tireless advocate for regional New South Wales, but his resignation adds to the ongoing instability inside the state opposition. The Nationals now need to find a new leader. Sandra, Dugald Saunders isn't leaving politics altogether. He will continue serving as the MP for Dubbo.

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