11.15AM: NSW Premier Mike Baird said Mr Grant is a "passionate and hardworking MP."
“His elevation is a clear demonstration of the faith his parliamentary colleagues have in his many abilities.
“Troy and I will be working very closely together to ensure our strong Coalition continues to deliver for people right across NSW.
“Troy is a passionate advocate for rural and regional NSW and he will ensure the concerns of those in the bush are addressed.
“Before entering Parliament Troy was a highly decorated and respected police officer and he has always fought hard to protect vulnerable members of our community.
“As Nationals Leader and Deputy Premier, Troy is now in a position to make an even bigger contribution to NSW.”
10.30AM: Newly elected Nationals Leader Troy Grant has said "every member of the NSW Nationals team is passionate about getting the best outcomes for our communities."
“The confidence the people have shown in us is something I don’t take for granted and I intend to work hard to maintain their trust.
“The Nationals represent communities across this state full of good honest people and as Leader I am determined to fight for them.
“It is with great humility I accept the challenge and I am determined to be hard working, fair and equitable in my decision making and engaged with the party and the people across NSW.
“I have long described myself as a son of regional NSW and there is no greater privilege for me than to lead the party I love and the communities I respect.
10AM: Dubbo Mayor Mathew Dickerson said Mr Grant is a passionate representative for the City of Dubbo and the Dubbo electorate and has made a positive contribution to Dubbo since becoming the local member in 2011.
“On behalf of Dubbo City Council and the people of Dubbo I have congratulated Mr Grant on his appointment as Deputy Premier,” Councillor Dickerson said.
“For regional Cities such as Dubbo it is extremely valuable to have a strong voice in the NSW Parliament,” Councillor Dickerson said.
9.30am: Nationals MPs met for half an hour in Parliament House on Thursday morning to elect Mr Grant, a former police inspector who is the member for Dubbo.
Education Minister Adrian Piccoli remains deputy leader of the Nationals.
In a statement, Mr Grant said that to be elected Nationals leader was an "extraordinary honour".
He said he felt "humbled" by the decision of his colleagues and would "work my backside off" in the role.
Mr Grant, a relatively inexperienced politician who was elected to the NSW Parliament only in 2011, said he held dear the principles of "honesty, integrity and hard work" and intended to pursue those in the job.
9.15am: Former policeman Troy Grant has been anointed Deputy Premier of NSW.
Mr Grant, 44, who has been a minister for six months, was on Thursday elected unopposed by his Nationals colleagues a leader of the party, Nationals Whip John Williams said.
EARLIER: Dubbo MP Troy Grant was remaining tight-lipped about his political future as reports suggested he could succeed Andrew Stoner as leader of the National Party and the deputy Premier of NSW this morning.
Mr Stoner announced yesterday that he would retirement from parliament at the upcoming election and made the decision to step down as party leader immediately, which has triggered a leadership ballot.
It is understood Mr Grant, who is the Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Arts, will contest the leadership against Education Minister Adrian Piccoli with some predicting that Mr Grant was the favourite.
Mr Grant was available for comment on Wednesday afternoon because of parliamentary duties but in a one-line statement he neither confirmed or denied that he would run.
"My focus is on representing the interests of the people of Dubbo to the best of my ability and work hard as a Minister in the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government," he said.
If he is elected, it would cap a meteoric rise for the former policeman, who is still in his first term in politics.
He ousted Independent Dawn Fardell at the 2011 election and was promoted to Cabinet earlier this year, being given the portfolios of Gaming, Racing and the Arts.
There are 19 Nationals MPs in the NSW and a further seven members in the Legislative Council but they look set to lose a lot of experience next March, with veterans George Souris and Don Page also choosing to retire after losing portfolios in the April Cabinet reshuffle.
Source: Daily Liberal, Dubbo
