He was the Nationals member of the Victorian parliament, representing Benalla, from 2002 to 2014,[1] after a career as a veterinarian and businessman.
As well as being a member of parliament, Sykes and his wife Sally also run a beef cattle and sheep property just out of Benalla.
Together, the Sykes have been involved in a wide range of community activities including school councils, youth groups, sporting clubs, Landcare, fire brigade and the Victorian Farmers Federation.
Benalla was one of the most conservative seats in Victoria; it had been in National hands for all but nine years since 1920 and without interruption since 1943.
He won the seat on the third count when Liberal candidate Andrew Dwyer's preferences flowed overwhelmingly to him.