Our state political reporter Ashleigh Raper says Perrottet’s announcement that he would be stepping down comes as “no surprise”.
Sitting on the ABC election panel was one of Raper’s picks as an “obvious front runner” for the new party leader, Matt Kean.
With other party heavyweights like Rob Stokes retiring, Kean would be facing less competition but he told our panel it is “too early for discussion” and that he hasn’t thought about it.
Our ABC hosts audibly laughed at the comment.
The outgoing treasurer who represents the moderate faction of the NSW Liberals has previously signaled his desire for the top job. His ambition to climb the ladder and his influence in factional plays/wars is also no secret in the halls of Macquarie Street.
Kean said, however, that the NSW Liberal is going to have to do some soul-searching. It’s possible, given the Liberals have ceded ground in every state and territory except for Tasmania in the past few years, that he may see the position as something of a poisoned chalice.
Kean is relatively young at only 41 years old and there is likely merit in him biding his time.
“There are a lot of talented people in the Liberal Party, definitely something that we can build on,” Kean said.
“Dominic has made sure that people have had experience that will be able to contribute. I would like to continue to contribute to the team.”
Source: abc.net.au
