But Paul Toole's election as leader of the NSW Nationals on Wednesday morning has largely rewritten those rules, with almost universal support for him within the Bathurst community.

Within a couple of hours of Mr Toole's election there were hundreds of reactions on the Western Advocate Facebook page and the negative responses could be counted on a single hand.

Similarly, those who had taken the time to leave a comment, almost without exception, simply wanted to congratulate him and wish him the best in the new role.

It was heartening to read and provided a timely antidote much of the negativity the world has seen in recent months.

That's not to say that Mr Toole is everyone's cup of tea, nor that he has the vote of everyone in Bathurst.

There are many in town who do not agree with his politics or his party's and many who have opposed some of the positions he has taken in politics, particularly when it comes to the planned amalgamation of Bathurst and Oberon councils a few years ago.

But this was not a time to be raking over the coals of cold disputes, nor a time for raising old grievances; this was a time for celebrating the success of someone who was born and bred in Bathurst and who remains fiercely and unapologetically committed to this region and its people.

Those who oppose Mr Toole and his politics should be congratulated for recognising that moment and adhering to the old adage of if you have nothing nice to say then say nothing at all.

Their day will come again, though, and their voices will be heard.

We live in a proud democracy where we are free to hold different views to those who lead and have the right to express them loudly and often.

In 18 months or so Mr Toole and his colleagues will face an election where the people of Bathurst, and the rest of NSW, will again have the chance to pass judgment.

Crucial to the government's chances of re-election will be how well Mr Toole and new premier Dominic Perrottet combine as a leadership team that no-one expected just a week ago.

Until then, congratulations Mr Toole. You have done yourself, your family and your community proud.

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