NSW National MPs have been “blindsided” by the resignation of party leader Dugald Saunders after two and a half years in the top job.

Sky News understands most Nationals MPs were given only minutes’ notice before Mr Saunders’ resignation was issued publicly via a media release on Monday.

One party source told Sky News it was a “very sudden, very sudden exit” and that the majority of MPs were “blindsided” by it.

“You could have done it at the end of the week — why now?” the source said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Mr Saunders cited personal reasons for his resignation, saying it was “the right time” for him to step back and focus on his family.

Nationals MPs will meet in Sydney on Tuesday to elect a new leader ahead of the final parliamentary sitting week of the year.

Depu

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