Dominic Perrottet wins leadership ballot to become next premier of NSW

Dominic Perrottet says his first priority as premier will be to guide NSW through the pandemic recovery and he will not make wholesale changes to his frontbench until the state is out of lockdown.

Mr Perrottet has been elected leader of the NSW Liberals and will be the next premier of NSW following a party room ballot on Tuesday morning.

Mr Perrottet defeated Planning Minister Rob Stokes 39 votes to five to become NSW’s 46th premier and, at age 39, the youngest in the state’s history. As expected, Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres was elected unopposed as the deputy Liberal leader. Both men will be sworn in at a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Perrottet said becoming the premier is “a great honour” and he wants the state to bounce back from the pandemic, adding there will be no cabinet reshuffle until the state is out of lockdown.

He said his first priority of his government would be to continue on the path out of COVID. He said he would meet with crisis cabinet and health officials on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the state’s reopening, but his intention was still to reopen on Monday, October 11.

Dominic Perrottet at his first press conference as NSW Liberal leader.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Mr Perrottet promised to be an “infrastructure premier” but he said he would also focus on families.

“I will also be a family Premier, focusing on how we can make life better for working families, living the Liberal values of opportunity,” he said

“A stable, united government is vital to getting on with the work that we have begun, so there will be no cabinet reshuffle until we’re through this change.”

Dominic Perrottet and Stuart Ayres arrives for today’s party room ballot. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The only change will be that Environment Minister Matt Kean will also take on Mr Perrottet’s previous responsibilities as treasurer. Mr Kean’s promotion to the key portfolio was part of a deal struck by Liberal powerbrokers to ensure Mr Perrottet had enough votes to become leader.

Mr Perrottet said he expects to reshuffle the cabinet over summer. He said Mr Stokes remains a good friend and will continue to play a key role in the government.

Following the vote, Mr Stokes said Mr Perrottet has his “undivided loyalty and support”.

“The party room had a democratic vote,” Mr Stokes said. “I always said that I’d give my people a choice. They have chosen emphatically.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes arrives for Tuesday’s vote.Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

“Democracy is the winner today.”

Mr Stokes said Mr Perrottet will be “a magnificent premier”, committing to work hard to ensure the government is re-elected when NSW next goes to the polls in 2023.

Asked if he would seek a position in a new cabinet, Mr Stokes said it was “entirely a matter for the premier, but he has my support”.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard, who was one of the last to leave the party room meeting, said he welcomed Mr Perrottet’s win.

“What matters is that we have a premier now who will make sure the citizens of the state are well cared for,” Mr Hazzard said.

Tuesday’s vote followed the shock resignation of Gladys Berejiklian as premier on Friday.

Ms Berejiklian quit as premier and announced she would leave NSW Parliament after the Independent Commission Against Corruption said it was investigating whether she breached the public trust or encouraged the occurrence of corrupt conduct during her secret relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire.

Ms Berejiklian had been expected to attend Tuesday’s meeting to address the party for a final time as leader but she did not attend and did not cast a vote.

A Liberal MP said the party room acknowledged Gladys Berejiklian’s time as premier and the “sad circumstances” of her departure amid the ICAC investigation.

“We are all locking in together behind Dom,” the MP said.

Another MP said Mr Perrottet addressed the party room after he won the vote and promised to fight for every community in NSW.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has contacted Mr Perrottet to offer his congratulations on his election to the top job.

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