Mr Humphries, who was re-elected for a third term last weekend despite suffering a significant swing against him, is one of the highest-profile casualties.

The Tamworth-born Nationals MP had held the portfolios of natural resources, lands and water and Western NSW in the previous parliament.

The demotion capped a tumultuous day for Mr Humphries, who was reportedly one of four MPs to unsuccessfully challenge Adrian Piccoli in a secret ballot for the Nationals deputy leadership.

In a statement, Mr Baird and Deputy Premier Troy Grant thanked Mr Humphries, and three other vanquished former ministers, for “their service to NSW”.

The Leader’s attempts to contact Mr Humphries for comment yesterday were unsuccessful.

Neither Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson nor Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall were among the 22 cabinet ministers and 16 parliamentary secretaries announced yesterday.

Despite the reshuffle meaning the New England and North West is devoid of cabinet representation, Mr Grant said it had a “strong” regional focus.

“This is a cabinet that represents all communities across the state,” he said.

“The benefit of having strong regional representation in government is more voices at the decision-making table.”

The region is not entirely devoid of representation in the upper echelons of the parliament, however, with three local members appointed parliamentary secretaries.

Gunnedah-based Nationals MLC Sarah Mitchell will serve as parliamentary secretary for regional and rural health and Western NSW.

Inverell’s Nationals MLC Rick Colless was announced as parliamentary secretary for natural resources and regional planning.

Guyra-based Liberal MLC Scot MacDonald, who was elected in 2011, was appointed as parliamentary secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast.

Nationals MLC Niall Blair will take over Mr Humphries’ portfolio of lands and water, as well as the demoted Katrina Hodgkinson’s responsibilities for primary industries.