Tuesday 9 August 2022 02:19 AM Matt Kean set to become NSW Liberal Party deputy leader trends now
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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet risks losing the support of some traditional Liberal Party voters by choosing leading moderate and climate champion Matt Kean to be his deputy.
Mr Kean was elected unopposed as deputy Liberal leader on Tuesday after right-winger David Elliott pulled out of the race saying the Premier didn't want him.
The position had become vacant after Stuart Ayres resigned last week over allegations he was inappropriately involved in recruiting John Barilaro to a lucrative US trade role, allegations he denies.
As Treasurer and a leading moderate, Mr Kean was the obvious choice to complement Mr Perrottet who is from the right faction of the Liberals.
The Premier wanted to end internal division and avoid a ballot so effectively instructed Mr Elliott, who is from the centre right, to pull out of the race.
Leading moderate and climate champion Matt Kean has been elected unopposed as Liberal deputy in NSW
Mr Kean's election will undoubtedly help the Liberals appeal to the centre - and particularly the climate conscious voters who helped turf out the Morrison government at the May federal election by electing teal independents in formerly safe Liberal seats.
The Treasurer was a big critic of the Morrison government
