Nationals to run in Sharman Stone's seat

The retirement of federal Liberal MP Sharman Stone has set the stage for a two-cornered contest with the Nationals in a rural Victorian seat.

Transport Minister Darren Chester flagged in a statement on Monday the Nationals will run in the seat of Murray and intend to pre-select a top quality candidate to "give the local community the choice they have asked for".

Dr Stone has announced she's quitting politics at the next election after 20 years in parliament.