New South Wales Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is set to become the state's next premier, the ABC is reporting.
Dominic Perrottet was named as Gladys Berejiklian's likeliest successor soon after her shock resignation. Photo: 2021 Getty Images
Perrottet has secured a deal that will see the Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, become the deputy Liberal leader, with Environment Minister Matt Kean becoming Treasurer.
At a press conference on Sunday evening, Perrottet said he was putting his name forward to become Liberal leader, and therefore Premier, at a party room meeting on Tuesday.
"I'm part of a team that has one focus and that is to look after every person across this state," Perrottet said.
"And I believe Stuart [Ayres] and I will provide that unity that the people of NSW need."
However, the ABC understands a deal has been done that will see the vote be a formality.
The election of a new NSW Liberal leader comes after Gladys Berejiklian's shock resignation on Friday following an announcement by NSW's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) it was investigating her.
"I know that this is a time of challenge in our state but I have complete hope and optimism that NSW is in a very good place," he said.
"We believe this is a team that will provide stability, unity and experience and continue the great work of Gladys Berejiklian."
Although he didn't put forward his name at the time, the dust from Gladys Berejiklian's sudden Friday resignation had barely cleared before Perrottet was named as the one most likely to replace her.
Gladys Berejiklian resigned abruptly after it was announced she is being investigated for corruption. Photo: AFP
Despite coming from the right, which is considered the non-dominant faction in the NSW Liberals, the Member for Epping has always been the heir-apparent.
He is currently the deputy Liberal leader.
Perrottet said he and Ayres would be a "strong team" but that he did not want to pre-empt the result of Tuesday's vote.
Planning Minister Rob Stokes announced he would run yesterday.
"Rob Stokes is not just a friend, he's an incredibly talented member of our team. We promote competition," Perrottet said.
Earlier today, former prime minister John Howard endorsed Perrottet, saying he was the right person for the job.
"I do think his background, his experience as Treasurer and, very importantly, his commitment to economic reform means he is the best person to take over the helm," Howard told Sky News.
Howard also said he held other candidates including Planning Minister Rob Stokes, Western Sydney and Minister Stuart Ayres in "high regard".
"I'm not being critical of them ... but I hope Dom gets the nod."
Perrottet had one less senior Liberal to worry about in Tuesday's ballot, after Transport Minister Andrew Constance announced today he would quit state politics for a run at a federal seat.
Constance said both Perrottet or Stokes were "incredible people and good ministers" and both were qualified for the role.
"All I would say to them all, is work it out … make sure you're back at work tomorrow because this pandemic is very real," Constance said.
"I've been in Parliament for almost 20 years and I haven't seen a leadership ballot in that time.
"If the party room has a ballot, so be it, but I'd urge stability."
Ayres, the Member for Penrith, said he was ready to become deputy Liberal leader.
"This is a leadership ticket that every person across NSW can support, from the city to the suburbs, from the coast to the bush," Ayres said.
"I know Dominic Perrottet is the right person to lead NSW out of his pandemic, to reopen our economy, get people back in jobs and keep every single person in our community safe."
- ABC