It comes after Mrs Williams resigned from the National Party and joined the Liberal Party in September amid the koala planning policy controversy.

Now the NSW Nationals are seeking a local champion as the party gears up to select a candidate to run against Mrs Williams at the 2023 election.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said it was only right that the party fought for what it believed was fair.

"This isn't an issue we are causing but we have to stand up for who we are as a party," he said.

Mr Barilaro said he had already been approached by three or four individuals keen to consider preselection.

The party will set aside a preselection date over the next six months.

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The preselection is shaping up to coincide with the party's 2021 state conference.

Mr Barilaro encourages potential preselection candidates to do their homework about the party and get in touch.

"We always try to find a local champion that cares about their community and is part of their community," he said.

"If we are going to do this, I want to make sure we have the best person that actually represents the values, the people and the community of Port Macquarie and we can only do that by getting someone who is grassroots, someone who is local and someone who is involved in their community."

Mr Barilaro said he was confident the party could compete at the ballot box here in 2023.

He said ultimately it would be up to the people of Port Macquarie to decide who was best placed to serve them.

The Port News contacted Mrs Williams for comment.

Mrs Williams has held the seat of Port Macquarie since 2011.

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