The last mainland Liberal government was built on the relationship between two men; a friendship, alliance and intellectual collaboration that the party’s elders believed had unlocked the elusive formula of Coalition rule.

Premier Dominic Perrottet, so provocatively conservative he wore an SS uniform to his 21st, and treasurer Matt Kean, who couldn’t hide his pleasure when visitors cooed at a JFK election poster on his office wall, were partners in a left-right collaboration they believed – and were largely proven correct – would stave off an inner-city teal takeover and protect suburban and country seats from the far right.