Premier’s future now considered untenable after ICAC bombshell

The concern for the premier’s leadership is not because she had a secret boyfriend. It is because her secret relationship put her in a difficult position where she now finds herself in the hot seat at the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

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Gladys Berejiklian’s position as premier is considered untenable within swathes of her own party as the caucus openly weighs replacement options.

The concern for her leadership is not because she had a secret boyfriend.

It is because her secret relationship put her in a difficult position where she now finds herself in the hot seat at the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

The Liberal caucus is furiously contemplating what will happen in the coming hours, with backbenchers looking to Dominic Perrottet, Mark Speakman, Andrew Constance and Rob Stokes who are all being touted as replacements.

Gladys Berejiklian gives evidence at ICAC. Picture: ICAC via NCA NewsWire

Crucially, several MPs have noted Mr Stokes is too damaged from his koala stoush with the Nationals to be seen as a fresh pair of hands that can heal intragovernmental wounds.

“The pitch for Speakman is that he is a clean safe pair of hands, and even though he is a moderate he is conservative on social issues and so not offensive to the Right,” one source said.

Mr Perrottet has long been the favourite though to be the next leader, on the back of support from moderate faction leader Matt Kean.

“We’re still picking ourselves up off the floor,” one senior Liberal said. “It doesn’t look good for Gladys”.

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Others have gone further, describing her position as “untenable” and “impossible”.

Senior Liberals noted that they were stunned by Ms Berejiklian’s composure and confidence in the dock, saying it was as if she herself did not grasp the impact the revelations would have on her leadership.

NSW parliament will sit tomorrow, which makes it even harder for the Premier to fend off attacks on her leadership.

Ms Berejiklian had planned to front a press conference this afternoon but it is unclear if that will go ahead.