NSW election 2023: Premier in waiting Chris Minns hails 'decisive vote' for Labor

Propelled to victory in Sydney’s western suburbs, Labor claimed a crushing poll victory, prompting Dominic Perrottet to quit as Liberal Party leader.

NSW Labor leader Chris Minns addresses a Labor Party election night function at the Novotel Hotel In Brighton-le-sands, Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

NSW Premier-elect Chris Minns says Labor is ready to confront the litany of challenges confronting the state, as he claims a decisive government on behalf of his party.

Welcomed on stage by Anthony Albanese, Mr Minns was greeted by hundreds of raucous party faithful packed into the Novotel in Brighton-Le-Sands, in Sydney’s south, with Labor projected to claim the 47 seats necessary to govern in its own right.

Propelled to victory in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, Labor claimed Camden, East Hills, Parramatta, Penrith, while the Liberals were at serious risk of losing a number of seats to independents in Wollondilly, Wakehurst and Willoughby.

With stiff economic headwinds and an energy crisis confronting the state, Mr Minns acknowledged the challenges in taking government but said his MPs were ready to take on government.

“There are many challenges facing the state of New South Wales over the next four years but the team I lead is ready for the challenges and opportunities of the government and will not let the people of this state down,” he said.

Mr Minns thanked the outgoing premier for his service to the people of NSW, saying the election campaign had been a unique combination of “respect and civility”, saying it could be the model for the way democracy is conducted.

In a gracious concession speech in front of hundreds of the party’s faithful at the Hilton Hotel, Premier Dominic Perrottet said he would not continue as the leader of the Liberal Party, saying he would take “full responsibility” for the devastating loss.

As leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party, I take full responsibility for the loss this evening. And, as a result I will be standing down," he said.

"It is very clear we need a fresh start, we need a fresh start. We need a fresh start for the Liberal Party."

Mr Perrottet implored the party to engage in an uncomfortable but necessary period of self-reflection, foreshadowing a renewed struggle for the party’s ideological soul.

He called on supporters of all political parties to come behind Labor leader Chris Minns, saying he will make a “fine 47th Premier of NSW”, acknowledging his political rival as a man of decency and integrity.

“Elections can get ugly, but I believe this election truly was a race to the top. A genuine battle of ideas, and that is when politics is at its best,” he said.

“I believe he will lead with the same decency of the same integrity that he has led with so far. And ultimately, I ask everybody across NSW, whatever your political persuasion, to get behind him.”

The obvious question of leadership turned quickly to Treasurer and deputy Liberal leader Matt Kean.

Mr Kean, however, said it was too early for those discussions. Claiming he had not given the prospect any consideration, but simultaneously noted the impact the job of party leader has.

“Seeing what he has had to carry does make you think about the impact that it does have on your family; it makes you think about the impact it has on you,” he said.

Recap our election blog below: