Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh has been elected leader of the Nationals less than 24 hours after Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders abruptly resigned on Monday morning.

After an uncontested ballot at 8.30am on Tuesday, Singh emerged as the party’s new leader. Kevin Anderson, the member for Tamworth, was elected deputy unopposed.

Singh, a blueberry and macadamia farmer turned conservative politician, was believed to be the only MP calling colleagues about the leadership, according to party sources speaking on the condition of anonymity to detail private discussions.

Singh’s was the beneficiary of MPs eager to unite behind a new leader, while Paul Toole, 2½ years after being deposed as leader, decided against contesting despite heavy speculation he would.

The deputy position vacated by Singh was

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