Former New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet made a heartwarming gesture to his staff who lost their jobs when he suffered a defeat in the state election.
Mr Perrottet and his staff lost their roles in the Premier office when Labor returned to government on Saturday night, with leader Chris Minns sworn in as the new Premier.
In a touching act, Mr Perrottet and wife Helen held a barbeque for his former staff at their Beecroft home on Thursday afternoon.
Staff working with him as Member for Epping will keep their roles as he holds onto the position.
Mr Perrottet was pictured going on a run with Member for Pittwater and friend Rob Stokes ahead of the barbeque.
The father of seven was then pictured in his car, leaving his home briefly, before guests began arriving around 1pm.
Former staff members were seen smiling while carrying in an assortment of dishes, drinks and grocery bags to the north-west Sydney home.
Mr Perrottet’s gathering for his former staff comes after he stepped down from his role as Liberal leader on election night following his loss.
“It is very clear we need a fresh start… we need a fresh start for the Liberal party,” he said.
Mr Perrottet left election night with praise for opposition Chris Minns, with both leaders competing in a clean and respectful manner.
“(It was) a genuine battle of ideas and that’s when politics is at its best and in many ways, that is due to Chris Minns and the way that he has carried himself throughout this campaign,” he said on Saturday.
“I truly believe and have no doubt that he will make a fine 47th Premier of New South Wales.”
While no contenders have since put their hand up for Mr Perrottet’s former role as Liberal leader, many predict former NSW attorney-general Mark Speakman could soon announce his run.
“I’m looking forward to discussions with my colleagues to ensure that we have a strong, refreshed and energised team ready to hold the Government accountable in the interests of the people of NSW,” he teased in a statement to SkyNews.com.au on Monday.
“I’ll have more to say shortly.”
Other rumoured candidates, including former deputy leader Matt Kean and Member for Manly James Griffin, have distanced themselves from candidacy.
Member for Badgerys Creek Tanya Davies was the first to announce her candidacy for deputy premier, after becoming one of the few Liberals to win back their electorate.
“As the only Liberal left standing in Western Sydney… I believe I can offer so much more to the NSW Parliamentary Liberal Party and I will be seeking support from colleagues in the Party over the coming days and weeks for the deputy leadership,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.
Source: skynews.com.au
