NSW erupts in total political chaos with a flurry of resignations and multiple by-elections looming

Just days from its long-awaited reopening, the state of NSW is in political disarray and facing multiple elections – and an uncertain future.

New South Wales is in a state of political disarray and chaos, facing multiple costly and distracting by-elections and an uncertain path towards post-Covid freedom.

In the space of three days, NSW has lost its Premier and Deputy Premier, a senior Cabinet Minister, three veteran Coalition members of parliament and will likely need to find a new Treasurer in coming weeks.

The shock resignation on Friday of Premier Gladys Berejiklian, both from the state’s top job and parliament representing the seat of Willoughby, has sparked a domino effect of departures.

Following her today is Deputy Premier John Barilaro, who announced he’s stepping aside from the role as well as quitting as Nationals leader and exiting politics, leaving vacant his regional seat of Monaro.

And on Sunday, Transport Minister Andrew Constance confirmed he would leave the NSW Cabinet and quite state politics for a tilt at a federal seat.

Those three departures will each require a by-election.

Speculation is mounting that more departures from the Coalition ranks could come within days.

Now, just a week away from the end of Sydney’s lockdown and the beginning of a new era in the coronavirus pandemic – one the rest of the country is closely watching – the focus is firmly on the government’s internal woes instead.

After days of wheeling and dealing, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet struck an arrangement to ensure he’s the next Premier of NSW. Picture: Richard Dobson

The resignation of Gladys Berejiklian over a corruption investigation has triggered a domino effect. Picture: Jeremy Piper/NCA NewsWire

A brutal two-day battle

Within moments of Ms Berejiklian’s self-knifing on Friday, in response to the Independent Commission Against Corruption confirming it will investigate her for alleged misconduct, a battle for the Liberal Party leadership began.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet was instantly the firm favourite, having spent much of the past year sowing the seeds of his eventual candidacy.

By Sunday afternoon, the staunch conservative had stitched up a deal to secure significant support from the party room to emerge victorious when it meets on Tuesday to vote, with Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres as his deputy.

It was the outcome of two days of tense and aggressive bargaining between opposing factions, which ultimately saw Environment Minister Matt Kean bow out.

Mr Kean pledged his support to Mr Perrottet in exchange for being the state’s next treasurer, according to reports.

Receiving the blessing of PM Scott Morrison to try his hand at federal politics saw Andrew Constance remove himself as a competitor to Dominic Perrottet. Picture: Martin Rainer Helmreich

Mr Constance also withdrew his leadership ambition to divert his support to Mr Perrottet, and then received the blessing of Prime Minister Scott Morrison to throw his hat in the ring to be the Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Gilmore.

Planning Minister Rob Stokes formally announced his plan to stand, but it’s since been reported the contest between him and the outgoing Treasurer will be largely symbolic.

Mr Perrottet will therefore be the next Premier of New South Wales – a move praised by powerbrokers of the Liberal Party, such as former PM John Howard.

“I do think his background, his experiences as Treasurer and, very importantly, his commitment to economic reform mean that he, of all of them, is the best person to take over the helm,” Mr Howard told Sky News.

Nationals leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro is also quitting. Picture: Nikki Short/NCA NewsWire

Multiple challenges ahead

Announcing his decision to run for the Liberal Party leadership, Mr Perrottet vowed he would provide “stability and unity”.

However, a stable and united period is unlikely to be on the cards for some time.

Instead of focusing solely on the Covid crisis at hand and the many months of uncertainty ahead, described by Ms Berejiklian as “uncharted waters”, the Coalition now has three by-elections to fight.

While safe seats, discontent about the ousting of the extremely popular Ms Berejiklian as well as a possible backlash from the regions over sometimes contradictory Covid restrictions, mean a real effort will be required in any case.

Now, the futures of a number of other government MPs are in question, with the political rumour mill in overdrive about several considering either federal tilts or retirement.

There will be a significant cost incurred to replace a potentially long list of politicians outside of a normal election cycle, by both the taxpayer and the Liberal Party.

It will also be distracting and suck crucial attention away from the media relations campaign of a new leader eager to stamp his mark on an uneasy public.

Dominic Perrottet could face further political instability with rumours of more Coalition resignations to come. Picture: Bianca De Marchi/NCA NewsWire

At the same time, the future of the Covid-19 road map is also up in the air, just seven days from the planned end of lockdown.

On Sunday, Health Minister Brad Hazzard – who may be moved on from his portfolio – insisted there will be absolutely no changes to the plan under a new leader.

But in stark contrast, when asked, Mr Perrottet wouldn’t rule out rewriting it as he saw fit.

“I don‘t want to pre-empt the situation we are in at the moment,” he said. “If we are successful, we will work through these issues.”

Meanwhile, Alex Greenwich, the independent MP for Sydney, will remain a crucial figure in state politics, with the minority Coalition government continuing to rely on his guarantee of supply and confidence.

Mr Greenwich, the founder of Australian Marriage Equality and principal architect of the path to same-sex marriage, will this month introduce a private member’s bill to legalise euthanasia.

Providing stability for Mr Perrottet will hinge on a conscience vote on his bill being allowed, which is likely to be agreed to by the new leader, pundits believe.

There are numerous figures in the party room who will feel uneasy about this proposition.

Originally published as NSW erupts in total political chaos with a flurry of resignations and multiple by-elections looming