A former berry and macadamia farmer from Coffs Harbour has been catapulted into the NSW Nationals leadership following a party room ballot in Sydney.

Girmesh Singh, the member for Coffs Harbour, was elected unopposed after Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders shock resignation on Monday 17 November.

His election happened at about 9am this morning, Tuesday 18 November, after his party members endorsed his elevation.

Other expected contenders for the top job, Member for Bathurst Paul Toole and Steph Cooke member for Cootamundra, did not seek election.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson will become Mr Singh's deputy.

Mr Singh left quickly the party room quickly after the vote to join the NSW Liberals who held a meeting to discuss their future with its leader Mark Speakman facing pressure from his colleagues to retain his position.

The new leader said in a statement he would be do his best to fight for the regions.

''It is an honour to be elected by my peers to lead the NSW Nationals, alongside Deputy Leader Kevin Anderson," Mr Singh said.

"Sarah Mitchell will continue to serve in the NSW Nationals leadership team as our leader in the Upper House.

"Our team will continue to represent regional NSW to the very best of our abilities.

"I thank Dugald Saunders for his leadership and guidance over the past two and half years.

"The wellbeing of regional communities is at the heart of everything we do, and I thank my party room colleagues for affording me the opportunity to continue the great work of the Nationals across NSW.''

Deputy Leader Kevin Anderson, Tamworth MP.

Nationals Member for the seat of Oxley Michael Kemp endorsed the leader saying he was a hard working intelligent man who would make a good leader.

Federal Nationals leader David Littleproud said Mr Singh understands the regions.

"I look forward to working with Gurmesh and I know he has a lot to offer, including his lived experience as a former blueberry and macadamia farmer and knowing about the challenges our farmers are facing.

"In the lead up to Christmas, regional Australians are feeling the pain of Labor’s ideology, by what’s coming out of their wallets.

"I know Gurmesh will do a fantastic job taking up the fight to Labor and also fighting for common sense.

"I also acknowledge former Nationals Leader in New South Wales Dugald Saunders," Mr Littleproud said.

"I thank Dugald for his hard work and effort over the past two and a half years, in fighting for regional families and businesses across New South Wales.

"Dugald will continue as a valued representative for The Nationals’ state team and I wish him all the very best."