Overview
- Saunders resigned after two and a half years leading the NSW Nationals, citing a need to focus on family, and he will remain the Dubbo MP.
- Nationals MPs will meet in Sydney as the party considers a replacement, with former leader Paul Toole, Gurmesh Singh and Steph Cooke flagged as potential contenders.
- The NSW Nationals voted last week to abandon the 2050 net zero emissions target, creating a split with the NSW Liberals, who continue to support the goal.
- The Liberal party room is set to discuss climate policy on Tuesday, with media speculation persisting about the leadership of Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.
- 7NEWS reported the resignation followed a day after a documentary featuring Saunders' 19-year-old daughter, which a spokesperson described as a coincidence.