Dominic Perrottet promises ‘unity, stability’ as he races for next Premier of NSW

Mr Ayres said he hoped to give a bigger voice to those in western Sydney and others across the state.

“It’s a leadership ticket that everyone across New South Wales can support.”

Mr Perrottet said that another potential candidate for NSW premier, Matt Kean, had offered his support for Mr Perrottet and Mr Ayres’ ticket.

“Matt Kean is a very important part of this team and has endorsed this ticket which will be presented to the party on Tuesday,” said the father of six and a member of the right wing faction of the Liberal Party.

“Over the past 48 hours, we have consulted with our colleagues.”

Matt Kean is believed to be backing the ticket with plans to become NSW’s next treasurer.

Andrew Constance out of race, says move into federal politics

The leadership race narrowed earlier on Sunday as potential candidate Andrew Constance declared his intention to move into federal politics.

The NSW leader will step down from the state parliament by the end of the year and seek to become the federal Liberal candidate for Gilmore.

The state transport minister has announced that he will step down from first place in New South Wales in the coming week and plans to step down as MP for Bega by the end of 2021, triggering a by-election.

Mr Constance gained national notoriety in the midst of the 2019-2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfire season as he fought to defend his fire-stricken community on the south coast of NSW.

He has been MP for Bega since March 2003.

“I love our region, its people and couldn’t be prouder to continue to serve. From the black summer to the pandemic, we are the strongest and most resilient communities you will ever see,” said Mr. Constance.

There are now four senior Liberals vying to be the new Premier of New South Wales following the shocking resignation of Gladys Berejiklian.

Former Prime Minister John Howard put his weight behind Dominic Perrottet.

“I think his background, his experiences as treasurer and most importantly his commitment to economic reform mean that he, of all, is the best person to take the helm,” Howard told the Sunday program. Sky New Agenda.

“We have to continue with things like economic reform, he is very committed to tax reform.”

Planning Minister Rob Stokes is so far the only high-ranking minister to officially throw his hat in the ring, arguing he has “the right balance of experience, vision and integrity” necessary to assume this role at such a crucial time.

Another who is considering his options is Attorney General Mark Speakman.

“I am encouraged by the encouragement I have received from my colleagues to nominate and I will have more to say tomorrow,” he said on Saturday.

Hard work to replace the popular leader

Whoever wins the leadership race has a difficult act to follow.

A very popular Prime Minister, Ms Berejiklian since her resignation has been greeted by everyone, from opposition leader of state Chris Minns – who said he “cannot fault her dedication and hard work” – to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who praised his “heroic” qualities.

Voters flocked to her home and office on Saturday with flowers and balloons, while others put up hand-made signs.

Ms Berejiklian announced her resignation on Friday after the state’s corruption watchdog revealed that the 51-year-old was under investigation for potential damage to public confidence.

The ICAC says it is investigating whether she “held public office” in a position of conflict given her secret five-year relationship with former MP Daryl Maguire.

Tears and at times angry, she said on Friday she had “no choice” but to resign, but denied any wrongdoing.

She will also resign from Parliament as soon as a by-election for her seat in Willoughby on Sydney’s Lower North Shore can take place.

Additional reports: Anna Henderson