COOTAMUNDRA MP Katrina Hodgkinson’s detractors claim her shock resignation is “founded on guilt”.

Her decision – set to take effect at the end of August – will force the electorate into a by-election. 

Narrandera and Barellan residents will be taking part in that by-election with both the towns covered by the Cootamundra electorate. 

The Nationals’ parliamentarian was not without support, with unlikely individuals rallying behind the 51-year-old’s decision.

Former Liberal senator and outspoken Junee resident Bill Heffernan her 18-and-a-half years in office was a testament to her work ethic.

“She’s getting out at a time where she can have another career,” he said.

“Serving the public and raising a family is a great challenge and she needs to be commended.”

Troy Whitford, a political expert at Charles Sturt University, believes Ms Hodgkinson’s retirement will be a make-or-break situation for The Nationals. 

He said it will be interesting to see if the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party attempts to seize the seat. 

“Given what happened in Orange, I imagine the Nats will approach this very carefully,” Mr Witford said. 

“It may be a telltale sign on whether they have recovered from that experience - how well the Nats perform in Cootamundra.”

He claimed the best thing the party could do was find a local representative. 

Ms Hodgkinson said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family and engaging in opportunities that may arise within the corporate sector.

She has been a state politician for more than 18 years.