Independent candidate for Orange Scott Munro provided the letter to the Central Western Daily on Friday, where Mr Grant told members introducing the legislation was “not something that I ever imagined I would do”.

Mr Grant recalled those who supported the industry also supported his appointment of former High Court judge Michael McHugh to the special commission of inquiry because of his interest in racing and betting while those who opposed greyhound racing accused him of bias.

“I am now being accused by the same cynics who supported his appointment of setting out to shut it down,” the letter said.

“It deeply saddens me that as a National, it isn’t as it should be an instinctive reaction to immediately defend the party and you cabinet, despite whatever private concerns we have individually.”

Mr Grant said the industry model failed to provide acceptable standards of animal welfare in the treatment of injured dogs, it was financially unsustainable due to the forecast cost of track upgrades and Mr McHugh had no confidence the 78 recommendations would work.

“Conclusions ... don’t get much more damning than that,” he said.

Mr Grant said while the decision to ban the industry was discussed in cabinet, implications for the Australian Stock Exchange prevented it from being discussed in the party room.

Cr Munro said there was a problem when process prevented discussion.

“He easily could have had a meeting behind closed doors,” he said.

“I’ve got four booths manned by ex-Nationals.”

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party candidate Phil Donato said it appeared Mr Grant was coming up with excuses.

Nationals candidate Scott Barrett said people needed as much information as possible before forming an opinion.

“That’s certainly added to the pool of information about this topic and people will draw their own conclusions,” he said.

He said he did not think he would have supported the legislation, but he hoped another option might still be possible through those in the industry who did the right thing.