Kealy new Nats deputy

MEMBER for Lowan Emma Kealy has been announced as the new deputy-leader for the Victorian National Party.

Ms Kealy will replace member for Euroa, Steph Ryan, who will step away at the November state election after eight years for family reasons.

“Emma has a strong reputation as a dedicated local advocate who will go above and beyond to secure the very best for the people of Lowan, which is an energy I know she’ll bring as Deputy Leader,” Nationals leader Peter Walsh said.

“As shadow minister, Emma has played a crucial role in leading the Liberals’ and Nationals’ response to support Victorians to recover and rebuild from the COVID pandemic.”

First elected in 2014, Ms Ryan last week announced she’s not contesting the next election citing family reasons.

“With a little one at home and another on the way, it is time for me to seek a job that offers greater flexibility,” she said.

“Serving my community as the first member for Euroa has been the honour of a lifetime. The greatest pleasure of this job has been the opportunity it has afforded me to meet every day people doing extraordinary things.

“I leave my role firm in the belief that the Nationals are as important to country communities today as they were 100 years ago.”

Mr Walsh said Ms Ryan was a “driving force for change” in regional Victoria, citing her roles as shadow minister for water, public transport and roads, and gaming and liquor regulation.

“Like so many of our regional leaders, Steph was motivated to step up to be a voice for change after witnessing the desperate neglect and inequity in decision-making on challenges that are facing rural people,” Mr Walsh said.

Ms Kealy was elected as the member for Lowan for the Nationals in 2014.

She is currently the shadow minister for mental health, prevention of family violence, and women.

-WITH AAP