Mr Laurie, who runs a farm at Walcha and was the president of the National Farmers Federation before stepping down last week, joined the race with less than an hour until nominations closed.

He’ll contest preselection with young National Party members Claire Coulton and Adam Marshall.

There is a growing division inside the Nats about Mr Laurie’s late bid, with some questioning his “change of heart”.

“It was reported that a week before he decided to run that he wasn’t even sure if he shared the National Party’s principles; so he must have had a change of heart,” one senior National told the Armidale Express.

“I don’t see how you could be unsure of your allegience one week, and then nominate to be a candidate for the party the next.” It’s believed that at least one National Party figurehead spent last Friday convincing Mr Laurie to run.

On Monday, Mr Laurie didn’t say why he made the decision to run so late.

“The fact is that nominations closed at five o’clock on Friday and mine was in on time,” he said.

“I had my son’s wedding in Dubbo on the weekend and I spent a fair bit of time getting ready for that.

“I think people need to look back and see what I’ve done in public life ... I don’t make rash decisions.”

While admitting Mr Laurie’s late nomination came as a shock, both of his preselection rivals welcomed the challenge.

“I think that having three high quality candidates is a sign of a strong party,” Ms Coulton said.

Mr Marshall said he was looking forward to vying for National Party preselection with Mr Laurie and Ms Coulton on April 20.

“It’s going to be a really good contest and any of us could win,” he said.