Peta Betts has been confirmed as The Nationals’ candidate for the NSW state seat of Murray.
The Edward River Council Mayor last week confirmed speculation she would be standing for The Nationals pre-selection.
Cr Betts was selected as the candidate following a vote on Saturday morning.
“I will work hard in the electorate and in the community to win the election,” Cr Betts said.
She defeated Leeton’s Sandra Williams in the vote.
The confirmation of Cr Betts’ candidacy comes just four months out from the March 2023 election.
The electorate of Murray covers the south-western part of NSW, taking in the government areas of Wentworth Shire, Balranald Shire, Carrathool Shire, City of Griffith, Leeton Shire, Hay Shire, Murrumbidgee Shire, Murray River Council, Edward River Council and Berrigan Shire.
The Nationals held the seat for 39 years in succession from 1980 to 2019, when incumbent Austin Evans lost to Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party candidate Helen Dalton in 2019.
Mrs Dalton has since quit the SFF and sits as an independent.
She is widely recognised as a hard-working local member who puts the interests of constituents above toeing a party line.
Ms Dalton attracted 53.54 per cent of the two-party preferred vote against Mr Evans at the 2019 election.