Dominic Perrottet is likely to become the next NSW premier after nominating for the top job and striking a deal to make Stuart Ayres his deputy.
After behind-the-scenes factional wrangling for much of the weekend, Mr Perrottet announced on Sunday he would seek to become the next premier.
The Epping MP entered NSW parliament in 2011 – then as Castle Hill MP – and served as finance minister before becoming treasurer.
The father of six is a member of the Liberal Party’s right faction while Mr Ayres, the jobs minister, is from the dominant moderate faction.
The Liberal party room will next meet on Tuesday.
“NSW will come through this difficult time just as it did last year, to not just recover but come out the other side stronger,” Mr Perrottet told reporters.
“That’s all about ensuring we keep people safe, as we have, keep people in jobs, keep businesses open and importantly, get kids back to school.”
Planning Minister Rob Stokes is the only other senior NSW cabinet minister to throw his hat in the ring for the premier job. It is not clear if Mr Stokes will stand aside now Mr Perrottet has nominated to become premier.
Former prime minister John Howard earlier threw his weight behind Mr Perrottet’s tilt, saying he was driven and reform-focused.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced her resignation on Friday after the state’s corruption watchdog disclosed the 51-year-old was under investigation for potential breaches of public trust.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating whether Ms Berejiklian “exercised public functions” in a position of conflict given her secret five-year relationship with ex-MP Daryl Maguire.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance on Sunday also said he’d resign from NSW parliament, and will run for the federal seat of Gilmore.
Attorney-General Mark Speakman said in a statement on Sunday he would not nominate for the NSW leadership but would remain in government.
AAP
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