Dominic Perrottet likely to take over from Gladys Berejiklian as next NSW ...

New South Wales Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is on the cusp of becoming the state's next premier after all the thrills and spill of the past 48 sleepless hours.

The 39-year-old, who holds the seat of Epping in Sydney's north, doesn't quite have the top job shored up just yet, but it appears overwhelmingly likely he has the numbers after two days of political jostling.

His likely appointment comes after Gladys Berejiklian was forced to stand down after becoming the subject of a corruption probe.

A staunch conservative, Mr Perrottet threw his hat in the ring after some wild internal jostling with the party's powerful moderate faction.

The father-of-six, who is Catholic, had originally planned to have Energy and Environment minister - and long-time friend - Matt Kean serve as his deputy.

But concerns were raised by moderate MP Lee Evans and others that the Member for Hornsby in Northern Sydney would not play well in the Harbour City's working class west - where the party desperately needs votes to hold their grip on power.

After some toing and froing it was agreed that Stuart Ayers, the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney who holds the seat of Penrith, would be his running mate as deputy leader of the Liberal Party.

Mr Kean, his long-time friend, is set to be given the job of treasurer in a peace-offering after agreeing to 'fall on his sword' and abandon his ambitions of the deputy job, The Daily Telegraph reported. 

David Elliot, who heads up the party's centre-right faction, said Mr Kean has 'displayed the most selfless act in politics in recent times'.

Despite the controversy surrounding her departure, Mr Perrottet heaped praise on the embattled former state leader on Sunday before formally declaring himself a candidate for Tuesday's Liberal Party Ballot which will decide the next state leader.

But the moment was slightly over-shadowed as an unknown man started dancing in the background of the media conference. 

'I'd like to begin by acknowledging the outpouring of emotion over the last 48 hours for our Premier Gladys Berejiklian,' he said on Sunday.

'I think that is a testament to her selflessness and dedication, not just over five years as premier but well over that time as transport minister and her many years of public service for NSW.

'There is no doubt NSW is a much better place today because of the tireless dedication of our Premier Gladys Berejiklian particularly during the last 18 months... navigating droughts, fires and through this pandemic.

'NSW is stronger today because of her leadership.'

Mr Perrottet, a strong advocate for opening up the economy and ending lockdowns, has already pledged to 'keep people in jobs and keep businesses open'. 

His announcement comes after former prime minister John Howard threw his support behind Mr Perrottet over the weekend citing his 'intelligence, experience and commitment' as the reason for his endorsement.

But while the party-room numbers seem to be stacking up in his favour he will face fierce competition from Planning Minister Rob Stokes who has no intention of bowing out of the race after making his intentions clear on Saturday.

The member for Pittwater, in the glamorous region north of Sydney, is a senior figure in the moderate faction and is likely to have wide-spread support among that cohort.

'My track record during my time in public office makes me the best candidate to lead the NSW government,' he said.

'I have the right balance of experience, vision and integrity needed during this crucial time in our history, as we continue to respond to and recover from the pandemic.'

Although the state's reopening roadmap remains in doubt, both Mr Stokes and Mr Perrottet have said they will stick to the schedule, gradually lifting restrictions from October 11 after more than 15 weeks of lockdown for Greater Sydney.

Ms Berejiklian's

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