- Dominic Perrottet has been sworn in as the new NSW Premier, with Stuart Ayres assigned the Deputy Premier role
- Mr Perrottet defeated Rob Stokes 39 to 5 in a ballot held on Tuesday morning for the Liberal Leadership role
- Gladys Berejillian resigned as Premier on Friday after a corruption inquiry began investigating her past conduct
- Mr Perrottet paid tribute to Ms Berejiklian after taking on the leadership role, while also pledging to continue to fight the COVID-19 outbreak
- The new Premier will now put together his Cabinet, while the National Party will meet tomorrow to assign a new Deputy Premier
Dominic Perrottet has been sworn in as the new NSW Premier, with Stuart Ayres assigned the Deputy Premier role.
Mr Perrottet defeated Rob Stokes 39 to 5 in a ballot held on Tuesday morning in Sydney for the Liberal Leadership role.
The vote comes after Gladys Berejillian resigned as Premier on Friday after a corruption inquiry began investigating her past conduct.
Mr Perrottet has paid tribute to Ms Berejiklian after taking, thanking her for her leadership during the pandemic.
“The first thing I want to do today is to acknowledge my predecessor and pay tribute to her, Gladys Berejiklian, who strong and steady leadership has seen us through so many difficult challenges,” Mr Perrottet said.
“She has been an inspiring role model for many, especially women and migrant communities, and that is just one of the reasons why I believe there has been such an outpouring of support over the last few days.”
The new Premier also pledged to continue to fight the COVID-19 outbreak gripping Sydney, with over 600 new cases recorded on Tuesday.
Mr Perrottet said his focus will be on rebuilding the economy.
“As a former treasurer, I know that a strong society needs a strong economy, and that is why our first priority will be to continue the plan that we have started, keeping people safe, opening up the economy and securing our recovery plan,” he said.
Premier Perrottet will now put together his new Cabinet, with Matt Kean already locked in as the state’s new Treasurer.
Meanwhile, the NSW National Party will meet tomorrow to assign a new Deputy Premier after John Barilaro resigned on Monday.