Speculation was rife on Wednesday that Mr Piccoli would make a tilt for the leadership and the role of Deputy Premier, but the Education Minister released a statement later that evening announcing he would not run.

He said he would back Hospitality, Gaming and Racing Minister Troy Grant, who has had a meteoric rise within the party room since being elected to parliament in 2011 and is likely to be elected unopposed, for the leadership.

“I look forward to continuing as deputy leader and Minister for Education,” Mr Piccoli said in a statement.

Mr Stoner announced on Wednesday he would vacate the Nationals’ leadership and retire from parliament at next year’s election in order to spend more time with his family.

Paying tribute to “a good friend”, member for Riverina Michael McCormack said Mr Stoner had made an invaluable contribution to NSW during his time as Nationals leader.

“When you see the sorts of progress that NSW has made, retaining its number one mantle as far as attracting business and investment and pushing all those things the Nationals in government can do, he’s been at the forefront of that,” he said.

“He’s always been accessible and passionate about regional NSW and in one sense he broke the mold a bit.”