THE Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, has been elected unopposed as Leader of The Victorian Nationals after Peter Walsh recently advised the party room he would step down.

Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, will continue as Deputy Leader.

It’s not the first time that a local state MP has been the leader of the Nationals in Victoria.

He follows Peter Ryan who was leader of The Nationals in Victoria from 1999 to 2014, ultimately serving as the state’s 27th Deputy Premier from December 2, 2010 to December 4, 2014.

Mr O’Brien is now in line to be the Deputy Premier if the Coalition wins the 2026 election.

“It is the greatest honour to have been elected as Leader of The Nationals,” Mr O’Brien said.

“For over 100 years, The Nationals have served the interests of rural and regional Victoria.

“That will not change.

“It remains our singular focus as the only party solely dedicated to serving the interests of the 25 per cent of the population who live outside the metropolitan area.

“I entered politics because I have always believed rural and regional people get a raw deal. As leader of our great party, I will fight every day for country people to get a fair go.

“We have an excellent team of local champions who fight every day for their electorates from Mildura to Mallacoota.

“I look forward to working with Emma and the rest of the team to continue serving the people of rural and regional Victoria.”

Ms Kealy said she was looking forward to continuing her role in fighting for regional Victorians.

"The Nationals have a formidable team of community champions in Parliament and every day we stand side-by-side with our community to ensure they're voice is heard,” Ms Kealy said.

"I look forward to continuing my role in leadership, working with Danny, our MPs and all our members and supporters who are fighting together for a fair deal for regional Victorians.”