Dugald Saunders, the head of the New South Wales (NSW) Nationals, has stepped down from his position, a role he held for less than three years. The unexpected announcement was made on Monday, with Saunders expressing his intention to focus more on his personal life. The news of his resignation came shortly after his 19-year-old daughter appeared in a documentary about the adult entertainment industry. However, a spokesperson for the Dubbo member dismissed any correlation between the two incidents, labeling it as a mere coincidence.
Saunders’ decision to resign comes amid reports of serious health issues within his family. In his statement, Saunders expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the NSW Nationals and represent regional NSW during a challenging period in opposition. He also stated that it was an opportune moment for a new leader to take over in preparation for the forthcoming election.
Saunders expressed his appreciation to his family, staff, team, and the party for their unwavering support. He assured that he would continue to serve the people of the Dubbo electorate as their local representative.
In a related development, Saunders’ daughter, Charlie, who also goes by the name Willow, was recently revealed as a participant in a reality show about OnlyFans creators. The show, ‘Spicy Summer’, featured the young adult discussing her decision to create adult content upon turning 18. She also expressed her belief that older women were envious of the opportunities provided by platforms like OnlyFans, which were not available during their youth.
Saunders has led the party since 2023, having won a leadership ballot against former deputy premier Paul Toole. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman praised Saunders as a champion for his Dubbo electorate, commending his fairness, intelligence, and warmth. Speakman also recognized Saunders’ previous career as a broadcaster, highlighting his significant contributions to giving locals a voice.
Saunders’ resignation comes at a challenging time for the NSW opposition, following the federal Liberal and Nationals parties’ decision to abandon net-zero targets. Despite this, Saunders has remained vocal in parliament on a range of issues affecting regional NSW, including youth crime, the impact of the Great Koala National Park, and aid for communities affected by flooding.