The new NSW Nationals leader's own political career began when he was elected to Evans Shire Council while still aged in his 20s in 1995 but he had been out on the hustings even earlier than that.

Proud father Trevor Toole, who also spent many years in politics as an Evans Shire councillor and as a Nationals candidate for Bathurst in the 1990s, recalled Paul going out campaigning with him as a child.

And Paul's grandfather, Jack Toole, also contested the seat of Bathurst for the Liberal Party in 1956.

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"I believe it's something Paul grew up with all his life," Trevor Toole said on Wednesday.

"Even when he was a young kid he would come with me when I was campaigning around the shire and open gates for me. He was just always with me.

"When I decided to step down from the shire Paul decided to have a run and he was elected first as an Evans councillor and then, of course, made the move into Bathurst where he later became mayor."

Mr Toole said listening was one of his son's greatest strengths as a politician.

"He always listens, that's a big plus for him," he said.

"He will never turn a deaf ear to someone and say he is not interested, he will hear them out before making his mind."

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Mr Toole said Paul would bring a different style of leadership to the role than his predecessor, John Barilaro.

"Paul showed as the Regional Minister for Transport that he would put the interests of regional people first and that's what he will bring to this new job," he said.

"I thought [Gladys Berejiklian] had done an excellent job as premier, especially through the difficult COVID times, and she worked very hard.

"And I thought John Barilaro also worked very hard but his style was probably a little bit different Paul's. Paul will work harder behind-the-scenes rather than speak out as much as John but he will still make his presence felt and really make a difference.

"The whole family is very excited and very proud of Paul and we're with him all the way."

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