Howard backs Dutton in takeover of troubled NSW Liberals

Ex-PM John Howard says the decision by Liberal leader Peter Dutton and the federal executive to take-over the troubled NSW division would “ensure” the party was better placed to defeat the Albanese government.

Former prime minister John Howard says the decision by Liberal leader Peter Dutton and the federal executive to take-over the troubled NSW division would “ensure” the party was better placed to defeat the Albanese government.

In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Howard said he cared “deeply” about the NSW division and that Mr Dutton and Federal Party president John Olsen had both displayed leadership and initiative in tackling what he described as “a challenging issue”.

“The Executive has appointed a high quality three-person committee of management to administer the affairs of the NSW Division until 30 June 2025,” he said.

Former PM Tony Abbott (left) with former PM John Howard and his wife Jeanette and John Howard. Picture: The Australian

“I congratulate both the Federal Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, and John Olsen, the Federal President of the Liberal Party, for the leadership and initiative they have displayed on this challenging issue.

“As a Life Member of the NSW Division, I care deeply about its place in the national affairs of the Liberal Party.

“Today’s decision will ensure that all elements of the Party in NSW are better able to assist in achieving our immediate and most important goal which is the defeat of the Albanese Labor Government.”

Dutton stares down Speakman in Lib takeover

Peter Dutton has stared down his NSW leader Mark Speakman by pushing through a federal takeover of the troubled State division, rejecting the State opposition leader’s proposed changes.

In a major blow to the State moderate leader, Mr Speakman’s bid to have former Liberal MPs Peta Seaton and Fiona Scott added to the federal takeover committee was dismissed outright with only Ms Seaton to be included.

In a clear sign Mr Dutton and the federal office has had enough of the antics of the NSW division, a source at the meeting described the atmosphere in the room as “cold”.

The federal state executive last week sacked the State division, proposing former party president Alan Stockdale and Howard-era communications minister Richard Alston take over on a three-person administration committee.

NSW Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

Former NSW planning minister Rob Stokes was to the third member, only he claimed he had been added without being asked.

In response to the takeover bid, Mr Speakman and NSW party president Don Harwin convened an emergency meeting of the state executive on Tuesday night where it was moved for the committee to have four members.

Ms Seaton and Ms Scott are both from Mr Speakman’s and Mr Harwin’s moderate faction.

The move triggered an uproar from members of the right, accusing the moderate powerbrokers of undermining Mr Dutton.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

In an email to members after the NSW executive met on Tuesday, conservatives accused Mr Harwin and Mr Speakman of a “blatant challenge to the leadership of Peter Dutton and the federal executive”.

A moderate NSW executive member rejected that claim as “utter rubbish”.

Former state director Chris Stone has also been drafted back into the role vacated when Richard Shields was sacked, after the NSW party failed to lodge some 140 council candidate nominations.