Don Harwin has ‘moved on’, while Senior MP slams ‘cockroaches’ in NSW Libs

A war of words has erupted over NSW Liberal Party reforms, with one senior MP labelling those fighting change “cockroaches”. It comes as speculation mounts that ousted state president Don Harwin could return.

Banished NSW Liberal President Don Harwin says he had “moved on” and enjoying his new role as chair of Music in the Regions. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

A war of words has erupted over whether the NSW Liberal Party should remain in administration, with some believing the saga could result in exiled president “Don Harwin returning from the sin bin”.

With a decision expected next week on whether the federal intervention continues, speculation is mounting over the future of the current three-person panel.

Alan Stockdale, Richard Alston and Peta Seaton were appointed to lead the party’s NSW branch last year after the state executive failed to nominate more than 140 candidates in time for the local government elections.

They are redrafting the constitution, including measures to prevent local branches from deliberately excluding new members.

However, Mr Stockdale is under pressure after The Daily Telegraph revealed he had told a Liberal gathering: “The women in this party are so assertive now that we may need some special rules for men to get them preselected.”

Don Harwin attends Sydney Parliament House for the Bicentennial Dinner. Picture Thomas Lisson

One senior member of the moderate faction said on Sunday: “This panel can’t stay. Their role is untenable.”

Another Liberal MP believed it was a “live option” for the old state executive to be handed back control at the end of the month, which would mark the return of Mr Harwin.

Administrative committee members Richard Alston (left) and Alan Stockdale as they appeared in the online meeting on Tuesday night. Image: supplied

“There are three possibilities – either these three remain, they appoint a brand new team … or option C is Don returning from the sin bin,” the source said.

Mr Harwin, who is technically still president but without any official powers, hosed down the possibility of a looming return.

“I’ve moved on,” he texted from a concert in the Riverina region.

“I’m very focused on my work as chair of Music in the Regions and bringing the joys of live performances to small towns across NSW.”

Despite playing a role in the council nomination process, Mr Harwin, a former arts minister and Upper House MP, has escaped much of the criticism over the fiasco.

Anthony Roberts, an influential MP from the Right faction in NSW, told this masthead he believed Mr Stockdale, Mr Alston and Ms Seaton should continue.

“This is a generational opportunity and we need it extended,” Mr Roberts said.

“I’ve always been a strong believer that you need to enfranchise the membership, and that is exactly what the administrators are pushing for.”

“We have seen a co-ordinated attack on the administrators by those who believe their hold on the NSW Liberal Party is under threat. Just remember: cockroaches don’t want the lights turned on” Mr Roberts said.

Anthony Roberts described the Party members opposing the current administration panel as “cockroaches”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

The Liberal Party’s federal executive will make a decision on the future of the NSW Division on June 17.

When approached for comment, state Opposition Leader Mark Speakman confirmed he had “spoken with (federal Liberal leader) Sussan Ley” about the issue but declined to elaborate, insisting he was “flat out holding the Minns Labor Government to account over its disasters.”

Ms Ley’s team declined to comment.

Federal Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley declined to comment. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

NSW Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said he was too busy holding the government to account to focus on the transformation plan. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

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Originally published as Don Harwin has ‘moved on’, while Senior MP slams ‘cockroaches’ in NSW Libs