Chris Minns to lead NSW Labor after Michael Daley pulls out

Chris Minns will be the next NSW Labor leader, replacing Jodi McKay after Michael Daley bowed out of the race.

Chris Minns has emerged as NSW Labor leader after challenger Michael Daley dropped out of the race.

Minns was elected unanimously after a caucus meeting Friday morning.

A Labor MP said Mr Daley was first to address the Caucus, declaring that he would not be nominating in the interests of the party.

“He also urged everyone to get behind the new leader,” the MP said.

The MP, who had supported the Maroubra member in his leadership bid, said Mr Daley’s withdrawal came despite having had the 15 required signatures to nominate.

Chris Minns. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Michael Daley. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Mr Minns said he was surprised by the quick result.

“I didn’t expect to be leader of the Labor party at 11 o’clock on a Friday morning,” Mr Minns said.

Mr Minns did not make any policy announcements when he spoke after his election to the leadership on Friday, instead giving kudos to former leader Jodi McKay and former challenger Michael Daley.

“I want to pay tribute to Jodi McKay and Michael Daley, after their leadership during difficult times,” he said.

Mr Minns said he wouldn’t play politics with the government’s handling of the pandemic, and said Gladys Berejiklian has done a good job.

“Gladys Berejiklian has a big following, quite rightly people think she did a fantastic job during the covid health emergency,” he said.

“I’m not interested in tearing strips off her for her management during that, I’m interested in building up the Labor party and having a positive vision for what’s possible in this state.”

When asked if the party is still divided, Mr Minns said the party is rallied behind him but the quick leadership handover isn’t a magic fix.

“I’m not saying it will be magically fixed, I’m saying there will be challenges ahead but I know my colleagues, I know that they are focused on the future,” he said.

The new leader is yet to make any decisions on his shadow cabinet, but said he had forgiven Jodi McKay and Yasmin Catley for the spread of a dirt file last month.

Challenger Michael Daley congratulated Mr Minns on his victory.

“I believe the Labor party is the greatest force for social good this country has ever seen.

“I decided not to nominate for the position of leader this morning for the good of the party.

Mr Daley said he did have enough votes to go to ballot, but said Mr Minns had a clear majority.

“I will give Chris all the help I can.”

Mr Daley said he did not ask Mr Minns for a position in shadow cabinet but would be happy to serve if asked.

“Chris and I had a very constructive meeting today and he agreed he would be leader for all of the caucus, for all of the party,” he said.

Mr Daley said his supporters have now rallied behind Mr Minns.

Notably absent from the meeting was previous leader Jodi McKay who sensationally resigned last week.

“I spoke to Jodi yesterday and we had a great conversation,” Mr Daley said.

“She’s my mate.”

Mr Daley said he believes there will be a position for Ms McKay in shadow cabinet if she wanted it.

Jodi McKay resigned as NSW Labor leader last week. Picture: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Previously, Ms McKay took to social media to say she will support Minns as leader when she returns from leave.

Ms McKay has been staying at a Gloucester farm with her husband since her resignation.

“Thanks to everyone for your well wishes and support,” she said.

“I’ve had a restful break at the farm and look forward to being back in Parliament next week as the Member for Strathfield and supporting Chris Minns as the new Leader of NSW Labor.”

Labor leader Anthony Albanese also congratulated Mr Minns saying he looked forward to campaigning alongside his state counterpart whom he declared would “make a good premier”.

“I look forward to campaigning alongside Chris Minns,” he said.

“He’s smart, visionary, articulate and caring and would make a great premier.”

Mr Minns was immediately given the nod of approval from the union bosses, including the Health Services Union (HSU) which recently cut ties with Labor over its ineffectiveness under Ms McKay.

While HSU NSW secretary Gerard Hayes is yet to reveal if he will reconnect with the party, he said there was an opportunity for Labor to reboot.

“The Liberals are tired,” he said.

“With a united, disciplined and aggressive front bench Labor will be a true opposition, both holding the Government to account and proposing fresh new ideas.”

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said: “This is a chance for Labor to reset and come up with bold ideas to boost quality jobs and improve the quality of life and cost of living, especially in western Sydney and regional NSW.”