Bathurst MP Paul Toole will be the new leader of the NSW Nationals after winning the ballot to replace outgoing Deputy Premier John Barilaro.
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Since then, the NSW Nationals' longest-serving MP Melinda Pavey put her hand up to become the party's first female leader. As did then deputy leader Mr Toole.
Nationals whip Steph Cooke made the announcement that Mr Toole would be the new leader, while Mental Health Bronnie Taylor would take on the deputy position, following a party vote on Wednesday morning.
Mr Toole will also take on the role of NSW Deputy Premier.
He is a long-time politician and a father of three children.
Before entering parliament in 2011, the former school teacher served as councillor for the Bathurst region for 16 years, becoming mayor in 2007.
Announcing his candidacy on Tuesday, Mr Toole talked up his credentials as deputy party leader, and pointed to his track record of working with the incoming premier in crisis cabinet and other committees.
Ms Pavey was the first to put her hand up to succeed Mr Barilaro as leader, saying she was encouraged by the support being offered by her colleagues.
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Her bid for the party's top job came after almost 20 years at Macquarie Street.
A former journalist and small business owner, she was first appointed to the upper house in 2002, before switching to the lower house seat of Oxley in 2015.
When Ms Berejiklian was elevated to premier in 2017, Ms Pavey also scored a promotion, becoming minister for roads, maritime and freight, and in 2019 switched portfolios to become minister for water, property, and housing.
- with Australian Associated Press