Grafton man takes on key job with Nats

THE image of a National Party member as a 'cockie in a tweed coat' was outdated and did not reflect the nature of the organisation now, according to the party's new vice-chairman, Grafton's Jeremy Challacombe.

Mr Challacombe, who was elected to the position at the party's annual conference in Sydney at the weekend, said the nature of rural areas had changed and the party had changed to reflect this.

He said agriculture still was an important part of rural life and his own, but promoting small business interests also was essential.

He said it was his aim to help the party win back seats. Mr Challacombe said he was pleased a proposal to merge with the Liberals was defeated at the conference.

He said if the proposal was adopted 'I would have walked out'.

"We need to be independent to represent the interests of our constituents," he said.

State chairman Christine Ferguson said Mr Challacombe would be a great asset in running the party. He would also be part of the party's finance committee.