Bathurst MP Paul Toole has rejected claims of a Nationals plot to topple state deputy leader Adrian Piccoli.
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It was reported this week that Mr Piccoli had lost the support of his colleagues following a string of mishaps in his education portfolio.
Mr Piccoli has come under fire for a number of bungles including a botched computer program rollout set to cost the state around $1 billion and telling Catholic and independent schools about proposed funding cuts before telling his colleagues.
A newspaper report listed Mr Toole as one of the MPs interested in the deputy’s role, along with Orange MP Andrew Gee and TAFE Minister John Barilaro.
But Mr Toole flatly rejected the claims, saying the Nationals party room was happy with the performance of both leader Troy Grant and his deputy.
“There are no changes happening inside the Nationals’ party room,” Mr Toole said.
“Unfortunately, from time to time, rumours do circulate in the world of politics. But we have a very collegial party room and everybody is happy with the performance of our leader and deputy.”
It is not the first time Mr Toole’s name has been linked to leadership ambitions following a rapid rise through the Nationals ranks.
After serving for four terms as the popular mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, Mr Toole was elected to state parliament in 2011 with a record 35 per cent swing.
He was elevated to the local government portfolio in 2014 and has been given the role of implementing the government’s key council reform policy. But he said he was not eyeing higher honours within the party just yet.
“That would have to be a long way off,” he said when asked if he hoped to one day lead the Nationals.
“I have a young family and once you take on that sort of position it drags you away from home and out of your electorate a lot more.
“I love being in my electorate and meeting local constituents and I’m currently focused on the work I’m doing as the local government minister.
“That’s enough for me.”