Member for Calare John Cobb announced his sudden retirement on Saturday after previously stating on a number of occasions that he planned to contest one more election.

A candidate will be selected by Calare National Party members via a vote on April 30 in Bathurst. 

Mr Farraway, a business owner, Bathurst Agricultural, Horticultural and Pastoral president, and chair of the Bathurst Branch of the National Party, said he had made the decision to seek preselection after long discussions with his family. 

He said he “looked forward to the support of the Bathurst branch”.

Mr Farraway said he was shocked by Mr Cobb’s announcement.

“Yes, I was surprised by the news. It wasn’t on the agenda [of the reconstitution meeting for the Calare Federal Electorate Council]. It was mentioned as the last item of general business,” he said.

“But overnight I’ve had the opportunity to talk to my family and have decided to stand for preselection and look forward to the support of the Bathurst branch.

“I thought I’d have a go. I feel I’ve done a fair bit for someone my age [Mr Farraway is 30 this year] with the show and the family business, and I’d like to put myself forward.

“I believe I’ve got a wise head on young shoulders.”

Mr Farraway said he had not heard who else, if anyone, would also stand for preselection.

“I don’t know anyone else’s plans, but if someone does [also put their hand up] I think it’s a good thing,” he said.

“That’s what’s good about the National Party – it’s very democratic the way it’s decided.”

Mr Farraway said preselection for a retiring MP’s seat was a “big deal”.

“When you look at the National Party there is not a very high turnover of MPs; they are preselected, elected and they are there to serve for some time. They are accountable to their electorate, the constituents and the members of the party,” he said.

“This is a very important process for the National Party and the Calare electorate.”

Mr Munro, a butcher, farmer, father of four and first-term Orange councillor, said he had plenty to offer Calare constituents despite his lack of political experience. 

“I have enough experience, life experience is worth heaps,” he said. 

Mr Munro said Orange mayor and 30-year councillor, John Davis, and former member for Orange, Russell Turner, had taken him under their wing and given him “a good introduction” into politics. 

There are five active branches in Calare after boundary redistribution – Orange, Bathurst, Wellington, Mudgee and Lithgow – and each branch can nominate a candidate, but Mr Munro said he was unsure which branch he would ask to nominate him. 

The chair of the Federal Electorate Council, Brett Kenworthy, said pre-selection opened at Saturday’s meeting and nominations will close on March 19.

It is believed that Bathurst mayor Gary Rush has ambitions beyond local government, but a call to Mr Rush on his plans yesterday went unanswered.