NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders announces 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.

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"It's a difficult decision but it is the right time for me to take a step back and focus more on my family and myself.

"It's also the right time to allow a new leader to take up the fight ahead of the next election."

Saunders said he would continue to serve in his role as Dubbo's local member, a position he has retained since 2019.

He took on the job of NSW Nationals Leader in 2023 after Paul Toole was ousted in a leadership spill.

Saunders was also appointed shadow minister for agriculture, trade and natural resources in 2024 and shadow minister for regional NSW in 2023.

Federal Nationals MP Michael McCormack told media he was "surprised" by the news.

"He has always stood up for regional people's interests and I wish him all the very best for the future," McCormack said.

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Nationals MPs are scheduled to meet in Sydney tomorrow, however it remains unknown if Saunders' replacement will be decided then.

Cootamundra MP Steph Cooke has been named as a potential contender to fill his seat.

"If she wants to put a hand up, I'd certainly support that," McCormack said of Cooke.

Saunders leaves the job in a tumultuous time for the Nationals, after the Liberal Party last week confirmed it would abandon its net zero 2050 target following bitter division among Coalition ranks.

He had a career in broadcasting at the ABC before entering politics.

The NSW MP notably worked for the national broadcaster during the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

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