Victorian Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan has announced her retirement from politics at the age of 36.
"It has been the greatest privilege to be the member for Euroa and I am very grateful to the electorate for putting their trust in me when I was just 28 to do that job," she said.
Ms Ryan was the youngest MP in parliament when she was elected and the first woman to be appointed to a position of leadership in the Nationals, on a state or federal level.
Her resignation means the Victorian Nationals have lost a quarter of its female MPs in one hit.
Ms Ryan will be stepping down as the shadow minister for water, public transport and roads, gaming and liquor regulations.
Ms Ryan is expecting her second child and says she is seeking a job that offers greater flexibility.
"With a little one at home and another one coming [it] gets harder and harder to do. Just to give what you need to give on weeknights and on weekends."
Ms Ryan said Victorian parliament could make some structural changes to better accommodate women, particularly those living in country areas.
"The reality is that you have to pick up your life and move to Melbourne for periods while parliament is sitting," she said
"There are practical things around childcare and the like that are very difficult to navigate.
"I think those things can be resolved if the Victorian parliament has the will to do it."
With a rise in women running for parliament, Ms Ryan emphasised that all family circumstances are different.
"I certainly hope that me leaving at 36 is not discouraging to young women who want to do this job because they absolutely can do it," she said.
Leader of the Nationals Peter Walsh has said Ms Ryan has been a strong advocate for regional Victoria.
"Steph was motivated to step up to be a voice for change after witnessing the desperate neglect and inequity in decision-making on challenges that are facing rural people," he said.
"[She] leaves this role, and her roles in the shadow cabinet, with a proud record of championing a better future for country people where it's needed the most."
Ms Ryan said she believed the job wasn't a lifetime pursuit, but has not ruled out returning to politics.
She anticipates a three-corner contest for her seat of Euroa, with the Liberals likely to put up a candidate.
She remains confident the Nationals will have a strong representative.
"I would really urge people who have a passion to make change in our region and to make it a better place to think about doing it," she said.