Former premier Dominic Perrottet hosts barbecue for ousted staffers after election loss

Former political staffers were seen at the family home of Dominic Perrottet, where the ousted premier hosted an afternoon barbecue in a thank you to staff.

Ex-staffers were invited to the home of former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday afternoon for a wake after Saturday’s state election loss.

It’s understood Mr Perrottet and his wife Helen held a barbecue and drinks for his team at their Beecroft home in Sydney’s northwest.

While Mr Perrottet will remain the member of Epping, political staffers working in the former premier’s office have lost their jobs, as NSW Labor transitions into government.

Guests were seen arriving at around 1pm. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Nikki Short

Staff were welcomed to the Perrottet’s home in Beecroft. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Nikki Short

The celebration comes after the Coalition’s loss on Saturday night. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Nikki Short

Mr Perrottet has largely kept out of the spotlight since the government was ousted after a 12-year run.

The father-of-seven was spotted leaving his home on Sunday morning with retiring Liberal MP Rob Stokes. He appeared smiling and told media he was “feeling good,” despite the loss.

“It’s going to be great, a lot of time I’ve missed so it’s going to be good to be home,” he said.

Former staffers arrive at Dominic Perrottet’s home for a BBQ after his defeat at last weekend’s state election. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Guests were seen with drinks and assorted food. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

On Saturday night Mr Perrottet confirmed he would be stepping down as the leader of the Liberal party, with former Attorney-General Mark Speakman and former ministers Anthony Roberts and Alister Henskens touted as potential Opposition Leaders.

“As leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party, I take full responsibility for the loss this evening … We need a fresh start for the Liberal Party,” he said

“I want to thank the community of Epping and recognise they continue support and thank you very much for supporting me at this election.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and his wife Helen, and daughter Celeste casting their vote on Saturday. Picture: NCA Newswire/ Monique Harmer

He also spoke highly of his predecessor Chris Minns, who was officially sworn in as NSW’s 47th Premier on Tuesday.

“The great people of NSW have tonight decided to elect a Labor government into this state, and that is a decision that we respect,” he said.

“I particularly tonight want to acknowledge the Leader of the Opposition. Elections can get ugly, but I believe this election are truly was a race to the top.

“A genuine battle of ideas, and that is when politics is at its best.”

Originally published as Former premier Dominic Perrottet hosts barbecue for ousted staffers after election loss