‘Time for a ‘new voice’: Liberal MP Rob Stokes steps down
A NSW Liberal MP who previously contested Premier Dominic Perrottet for the party’s leadership is stepping down.
NSW Liberal MP Rob Stokes has announced he will not contest next year’s state election.
The 47-year-old has represented Sydney’s northern beaches for the last 16 years, but said now was the right time to retire from politics.
“It’s time to make room for a different perspective and a new voice for Pittwater. We now need a contest to elect a new representative to serve the Pittwater community in the parliament of New South Wales,” he said in a statement on Friday.
“In the meantime, I will use all my energy, experience and enthusiasm to support the Liberals and Nationals team as we fight to return the Perrottet-Toole government in 2023.”
Mr Stokes, the current state minister for infrastructure, cities, and active transport, has been the member for Pittwater since he was first elected to the seat at the 2007 state election.
During his time in parliament, he has also been transport and roads, planning and public Spaces, environment and education minister.
Following Gladys Berejiklian‘s shocking resignation last year, Mr Stokes and current Premier Dominic Perrottet contested the role and leadership of the NSW Liberal Party.
Mr Stokes lost out to Mr Perrottet in an emphatic 39-5 party room vote.
He joins a growing number of Liberal and Nationals MPs who will stand aside at next March’s state election.
Geoff Lee, Victor Dominello, Kevin Conolly, Melinda Pavey, Gabrielle Upton and Chris Gulaptis have all previously announced they would be leaving parliament.
Rob Stokes’ full statement:
“I’ve had a great go, and now is the time to give others the opportunity to stand as Liberal candidate for Pittwater at the election next year.
“I am immensely grateful to the people of Pittwater and the Liberal Party for the amazing privilege I have had to serve our community as an elected representative for more than 15 years. I’m now excited to support someone else to have that chance.
“It’s time to make room for a different perspective and a new voice for Pittwater. We now need a contest to elect a new representative to serve the Pittwater community in the parliament of NSW.
“In the meantime, I will use all my energy, experience and enthusiasm to support the Liberals and Nationals team as we fight to return the Perrottet-Toole government in 2023.
“What an honour it has been to serve as part of a government that has fought to transform NSW into a freer, fairer and more prosperous society.
“Public service is a team effort. I am thankful to my family, friends and everyone I’ve worked with for their support on an amazing journey representing Pittwater in parliament.”
Originally published as ‘Time for a ‘new voice’: Liberal MP Rob Stokes steps down
Fiery exchange over ‘harshest’ reforms
A parliamentary committee has erupted over controversial reforms which critics say would be the “harshest” in Australia.
Trump furiously explains Albo snub
Donald Trump has angrily but vaguely addressed his departure from the G7 summit, where he left Anthony Albanese and other world leaders high and dry.
Albo downplays trade deal breakthrough
While Australia is eyeing a potentially lucrative deal with the European Union, Anthony Albanese has dismissed the potential of an imminent breakthrough.