Many Liberal MPs are unhappy with deal to install Natalie Ward as deputy leader
He has only just been installed as Liberal leader but Mark Speakman is already confronting his first internal battle over a deal to install Natalie Ward as his deputy.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Former attorney general Mark Speakman once declared he did not want to be remembered as the bloke who “came, saw and conquered” – but that is what he did on Friday after seizing the Coalition leadership.
The self-confessed Sharks tragic and senior counsel won a party room ballot against right-wing former planning minister Anthony Roberts 22-13 to become State opposition leader.
However, he will begin his leadership with trouble in his ranks with Liberal MPs already at war over whether the party rules should be changed to enable Upper House MP Natalie Ward to become his deputy.
Under the rules, only lower house MPs can vote on who they want to become deputy Liberal leader, which has always been filled by someone in the lower house.
As part of a unity ticket struck by the moderates, centre right and right in the hours leading up to the ballot, the deal was made for the role to go to Ms Ward with former finance minister Damien Tudehope to return to the upper house leader role.
While notice was given for MPs to return in 14 days to vote on the rule change to allow Ms Ward to run, several Liberal sources were claiming that some MPs were not happy with the deal, with one declaring there were some who would use the opportunity to “blow the joint up”.
“You need two-thirds of MPs to support a rule change and Speakman didn’t get two-thirds of the vote,” the source said.
“There might be others that run against Ward.
“And there are some that will use the opportunity to blow the joint the up.”
Another source, who was not supportive of Ms Ward, confirmed two-thirds support “ain’t going to happen”.
Speaking to The Saturday Telegraph, Mr Speakman admitted he had never expected to one day become the leader of the Liberal Party.
“Every politician has the leadership baton in their knapsack, but I didn’t really ever expect to be leader,” he said.
As for the road ahead, with the corruption watchdog raiding up to five Liberal members last weekend, the resignation of Gladys Berejiklian and election losses at both the State and federal level, Mr Speakman said he had no illusions about the job ahead.
“Obviously the party has had a rough 18 months, but I am here to lead a competitive Coalition that can get back to government in 2027,” he said.
“It’s going to require a lot of hard work and discipline and I am someone who has shown that through my professional and political life. I will make sure I have a team around me that is able to deliver that. “
As for his opponent Premier Chris Minns – who former premier Dominic Perrottet described as a “good bloke” – Mr Speakman said the Labor leader might be a “nice guy”, but “nice guys have to be held to account”.
Mr Speakman said his frontbench would have “stronger” female representation in the shadow ministry, while the parliamentary team would focus on being “constructive” and contribute to the moulding of legislation rather than simply “preparing for future government in 2027”.
“I have plenty to contribute here.”
Thousands without power after ‘severe’ thunderstorms
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Sydney, with flash flooding fears after the city has copped a soaking.
Lord Mayor elected to lead the ‘heart and soul of NSW’
The Liberals have declared they are regaining control at Parramatta Council, voting in an aspiring state MP as Lord Mayor, with an independent explaining why she made the surprise decision to back him.