MP Leslie Williams resigns with searing statement about John Barilaro

Nationals member Leslie Williams has unleashed in a scathing statement, condemning the actions of the Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams MP has defected from the National Party after unleashing a scathing statement criticising the actions of Deputy NSW Premier John Barilaro.

Ms Williams said the Deputy Premier placed “the Premier and the Government to ransom” and called his stunt “unnecessary, unhelpful and frankly politically reckless and unreasonable”.

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Mr Barilaro’s dramatic move has earned him a lot of critism. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi.

In the same statement Ms Williams announced her application to the Liberal Party of Australia (NSW Division). In a tweet shared by Channel 7 journalist, Alex Hart, it’s understood NSW Liberal Executive members will be voting on her application to join, with a confirmation expected to follow tomorrow.

“The events of the past week have represented a further example of a course of conduct and dealing that has once again effectively been condoned and failed to be addressed,” it read.

“My community deserves to be represented in parliament by members and leaders that are focused on their needs and their aspirations and they rightly expect to have policy overshadowing politics.

“Sadly, the events of the past weeks and months have cemented my decision to resign as a member of the NSW Nationals effective immediately.”

NSW Liberal Executive members voting tonight on whether to accept Leslie Williams application to join. Confirmation not expected until tomorrow. #nswpol

— Alex Hart (@alexhart7) September 20, 2020

Disarray in the Berejiklian Government means the people of NSW are being badly let down. Shock defection of Leslie Williams from Nats to Libs because John Barilaro held “the Premier and the Government to ransom during this COVID-19 pandemic” (her words) just the latest example.

— Jodi McKay (@JodiMcKayMP) September 20, 2020

Earlier last week Mr Barilaro threatened that him and 13 other members of the Nationals in the Coalition would effectively sit on the crossbench and vote separately to the Liberals koala protection policy.

Called the State Environment Planning Policy, it looked to raise the amount of trees considered core koala habitat from 10 species to more than 120, a move Mr Barilaro said would be detrimental to farmers looking to clear land.

The two National politicians have a habit of public disagreement. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett.

This isn’t the first time Ms Williams and Mr Barilaro have come to blows.

In May of this year, Ms Williams called for the Deputy Premier to quit after a series of leaked texts showed a fiery spat between him and the leader of the National Party of Australia Michael McCormack.

“To feel threatened by me clearly shows you have failed your team and failed as a leader. You will never be acknowledged by me as our leader. You aren’t. You never will be,” he wrote.

At the Ms Williams said she was “embarrassed,” “frustrated” and “disappointed” at his actions.

“Now more than ever before, we need leaders who are committed to their communities and the State, and who demonstrate through their action professionalism, respect, honesty and integrity,” she said.

“But the actions of the Deputy Premier over the past fortnight have not reflected this.”

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NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro speaking to media at 52 Martin Place today, 11th September 2020. (Pictures by Julian Andrews)

Mr Barilaro has been wildly criticised for his koala coup. He is currently facing a motion of no confidence and announced on Thursday that he is taking four weeks of personal leave. In his absence the Deputy leader of the Nationals Paul Toole will act as NSW Deputy Premier.

“I have offered him any support he may need,” said Ms Berejiklian in a statement to media.

“I wish John and his family all the best during this time.”

Leslie Williams is a woman of integrity who is 100% dedicated to her North Coast community - our values and aspirations. She has stood fast and with dignity under incredible pressure - I admire her and am so excited to welcome her to the NSW Liberal Party. #StandingOvation! pic.twitter.com/tMxkW7TruX

— Catherine Cusack (@katieqs) September 20, 2020