Badgerys Creek MP Tanya Davies to run for Liberals’ deputy leadership

The Liberal party’s only Liberal outpost in Sydney’s west has confirmed she will put her hand up for the deputy leadership, as speculation is rife on who will run for the party’s top spot

Badgerys Creek MP Tanya Davies will run for the deputy leadership of the Liberal party, declaring that she would be a “champion” for the people of Western Sydney.

As of Tuesday’s count, Ms Davies’ electorate is the sole Liberal outpost in Sydney’s west.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Ms Davies will run for the deputy position on a platform of putting Western Sydney at the heart of the new opposition.

“The people of Western Sydney and NSW more broadly sent a clear message on election night that they want a Liberal Party that stands up for families, backs in our small businesses and governs with compassion,” she told the Telegraph.

“As the only Liberal left standing in Western Sydney with what looks to be an increase in support for me, I believe I can offer so much more to the NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party and I will be seeking support from colleagues in the Party over the coming days and weeks for the deputy leadership,” she said.

Ms Davies is the only contender so far to publicly declare they will be running for a leadership position in the depleted Liberal party room.

Badgerys Creek MP Tanya Davies will run for the deputy leadership of the Liberal party. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Tim Pascoe

She said future prosperity for the state depends on putting Western Sydney - and the emerging city of Bradfield - at the heart of decision making.

“Western Sydney is the engine room of the NSW economy and it is critical that the Liberal Party has a spokesperson that can truly champion its people and their aspirations.”

Ms Davies, from the hard right of the Liberal party. While the moderate, or left, was the dominant faction in the previous parliament, factional numbers could change when the final vote count from Saturday’s election is known.

Ms Davies said she would be happy to serve under whomever the party chooses as leader.

Ms Davies previously served as Minister for Women before the 2019 election.

She courted controversy when she attended a rally outside parliament opposing vaccine mandates last year.

BATTLE TO TAKE OVER LIBERAL LEADERSHIP HEATS UP

The battered NSW Liberal Party will hold a review into its bruising election loss, with the party’s State Director now set to quit the organisation within weeks.

Some names being discussed to lead the post-mortem include former Liberal Party director Tony Nutt, former Premier Mike Baird, or a cross-factional group of sitting MPs.

It comes as former Attorney-General Mark Speakman firmed as a narrow favourite to take over as Liberal Leader, if the Cronulla MP throws his hat in the ring.

Liberals are split on whether the party needs a “safe pair of hands” or an “attack dog” to take over as Opposition leader, a role widely considered to be the worst job in politics.

Ousted planning Minister Anthony Roberts has made a bid for the leadership on a platform promoting widespread party reform, including candidates in the field earlier.

Former Attorney-General Mark Speakman. Picture: Jeremy Piper

However, one Liberal source said that while Mr Roberts would be “ready to help” if asked, he would not actively seek the leadership.

“The party needs reform, if I am asked to lead I’m happy to step up,” he said.

Outgoing Sports Minister Alister Henskens is also said to be in the mix.

Anthony Roberts voting in the north shore at Lane Cove.

Liberals MPs said Mr Roberts would be more effective in attacking the government than Mr Speakman, while the Cronulla MP was the more “safe” option.

In a statement on Monday, Mr Speakman said he would have “more to say shortly” on whether he would run for leader.

Mr Roberts would count on support from the hard right faction of the Liberal party, while Mr Speakman would be supported by the left faction.

Former Environment Minister James Griffin yesterday said he would not be running for leader, saying he would “enthusiastically” support whomever gets the job but did not want it for himself.

Former Treasurer Matt Kean will not contest the leadership. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Outgoing Treasurer Matt Kean declared he would not be seeking the role on Sunday. Liberal sources suggested the decision not to run could be a sign Mr Kean is planning a tilt at federal politics – something he has previously denied.

Mr Kean was contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, the NSW State Director Chris Stone, who served as campaign director for former Premier Dominic Perrottet’s failed re-election bid, will quit his role in weeks.

Mr Stone had planned to leave after last year’s federal election but will agreed to stay on to man the helm for the state election.

Mr O’Farrell said

Nationals Leader Paul Toole could also be under threat, but any move against him would be unlikely to happen before the funeral of former Myall Lakes MP Stephen Bromhead on Wednesday.

Mr Bromhead retired from politics ahead of the election after 12 years as an MP and died earlier this month after a long battle with cancer.