Matt Kean elected unopposed as NSW deputy Liberal party leader

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean gets a clear run to become Dominic Perrottet’s deputy after rival David Elliott’s withdrawal.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean has been elected unopposed as the state’s new deputy Liberal party leader.

Mr Kean was endorsed for the role after Liberal rival David Elliott pulled out of the running on Monday.

The party’s whip declared the choice to reporters in a 30-second press conference shortly after 10am.

Matt Kean has been elected unopposed as the state’s new deputy Liberal party leader. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“I‘m happy to announce there’s only one candidate stood for election, the new deputy leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party was elected unopposed,” Wollondilly MP Nathaniel Smith said.

Mr Smith took no questions and returned to the party room meeting a few floors up in NSW parliament after making the announcement.

It comes after the former deputy leader Stuart Ayres resigned last week over his alleged role in the scandal surrounding John Barilaro’s appointment as New York trade envoy.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said Mr Kean had the qualities and experience to step up to the role.

“Matt’s real qualities are, in my view, and why he was elected today, his passion and zeal for reform to set up a brighter future for the people of our great state,” he said.

“These are the reforms that continue and will make a massive difference for families, not just for today, but for generations to come.”

Mr Kean said he was humbled to be elected as deputy leader by his party.

“I’m so humbled to have been endorsed by my colleagues to serve as the deputy leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party. I joined the Liberal Party almost 20 years ago,” he said.

“I believe in its values, its values of individual freedom, enterprise and opportunity for every single person, regardless of their background, where they live or who they are. And those values and actions are what makes the State great, what makes our country great.”