December 1, 2014
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has paid tribute to Victorian Leader of the Nationals Peter Ryan, who announced today he would resign from the party leadership position.
“Peter Ryan will be remembered by the Victorian Nationals team as an outstanding leader, who carried our party to several election wins against the odds,” Mr Chester said.
“Peter took over when the Nats had their backs to the wall and his reputation as a formidable campaigner was established through wins in Benalla, Mildura, Morwell and Gippsland East.
“As a Parliamentarian, he was without peer on the floor of the chamber and was always passionate in his representation of regional issues, but prepared to extend the hand of friendship to his opponents. He earned the respect of all MPs through his hard work and determination to deliver a fair deal for regional people.
“He leaves a big hole in the Nationals leadership team, but I’m confident the new leader will continue the fine tradition of putting locals first.”
Mr Ryan will continue as the Member for Gippsland South after being re-elected on Saturday. He was first elected in 1992.
