Dominic Perrottet campaigns with Tim James ahead of Willoughby by-election

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has joined Tim James on the campaign trail ahead of next weekend’s Willoughby by-election.

Premier Dominic Perrottet has hit the hustings in the Willoughby by-election for the first time, with Liberal sources expecting the government could potentially cop a double-digit swing against it at Saturday’s poll.

Liberal Candidate Tim James is expected to comfortably win the seat formerly held by Gladys Berejiklian on a margin of 21 per cent.

However, senior Liberals acknowledged that Ms Berejiklian’s departure and historic by-election trends will lead to a swing against the government.

Tim James and wife Nikki with daughters Chloe, 6, and Madeleine, 4 and Tim’s parents Bruce and Trish. Picture: Julian Andrews

Any swing greater than 10 per cent against the party would be concerning ahead of the 2023 State election, sources said.

The Former Premier has been advising Mr James during his campaign, after publicly endorsing him at the end of last month.

“We’re talking, she’s giving me counsel and encouragement, and I’m so grateful for that,” Mr James said.

Mr Perrottet does not feature on the Liberal Party’s campaign material, but did join the by-election campaign on Saturday for Chinese New year celebrations at Chatswood Mall.

“I think we were well received, and lots of people stopped to have a chat and a photo,” Mr James said.

Six candidates are contesting the by-election, including Mr James, Reason NSW Candidate Penny Hackett, and independent Larissa Penn. Ms Hackett and Ms Penn have been identified by Liberal sources as candidates that will attract people who previously voted for Ms Berejiklian.

Ms Penn ran for Willoughby at the last state election, securing almost 10 per cent of the vote. Her previous campaign was centred on opposing the Northern Beaches Link and Western Harbour Tunnel.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet with Tim James at Chatswood Mall Market. Picture: Facebook

Ms Penn said her campaign in 2022 had expanded, with a focus on planning concerns.

“It‘s really a grassroots campaign that’s evolved out of the concerns of the community,” she said.

She said the area has been subject to overdevelopment, including the two planned tunnels.

“I’m not against development, we need affordable housing, but we need proper planning and sustainable planning,” Ms Penn said.

She is campaigning as a “true independent,” and is the only candidate on the ballot paper not running under a party banner.

Ms Hackett, Reason NSW candidate, is running to “send a message to the Liberal party that they are taking this electorate for granted,” she said.

The self-described “radical centrist” said there is “palpable anger” in the community at the Liberal party “dropping in” a candidate from outside the area.

With less than a week until polling day, Willoughby still have the former member at the front of their minds.

Self-professed ‘Team Gladys’ member Caroline Kostamo, from North Sydney, said the popular former Premier’s exit “has changed the way I vote, definitely”.

“I just wouldn’t vote for him, he’s not my cup of tea,” she said of Liberal candidate Mr James.

She said there was plenty of affection for Ms Berejiklian.

“She really did a good job. We all get caught up in a shitty romance,” she said.

Waverton resident Cameron Scott said he “didn’t have a candidate locked in”, but even though he historically voted Labor, acknowledged “there is still some sympathy” for Berejiklian.

“There’s a view she did well,” he said.

Northbridge’s Anil Mishra said he had always voted Liberal “and will always vote Liberal no matter who it is”.

Among the younger demographic, no candidate has yet grabbed their attention.

Jackson Archibald, 18, will vote in his first election next month.

“I’ll definitely look at what my parents are doing,” he said.

For nurse Caitlin, 22, the candidate who pledges to help the health system will win her vote.

“I’m a nurse so I’ll look at who will help with that,” the Northbridge resident said.