A vote to change a Liberal Party rule which will allow former roads minister Natalie Ward to become the party’s deputy leader is expected to be “very tight”.
NSW Liberal MPs will meet at 1pm on Monday and vote to overturn a rule which prohibits upper house MPs, like Ms Ward, to run as the deputy leader.
A senior Liberal source believed the vote could be up-ended with a single vote either way, however they believed the party will achieve the necessary two-thirds majority. At the bare minimum, the rule would require a party consensus of 24 to 11 votes in order to be passed.
“My feeling is that it will probably pass but only just,” they said.
Natalie Ward will find out today whether she will be the NSW Liberal Party’s next deputy leader. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Simon Bullard.
If the rule is passed, it’s expected the former minister for roads and women’s safety will be able to secure the NSW deputy leadership, which would only require 50 per cent of voters.
She also has the support of Opposition Leader Mark Speakman and leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council Damien Tudehope.
NCA NewsWire understands the Liberal Party’s moderate and centre-right faction are largely in support of changing the rule, while most of the right faction are opposed.
However, if Ms Ward is unable to secure the rule change, lower house MPs including Robyn Preston, Wendy Tuckerman, Tanya Davies and Felicity Wilson are also being considered for the deputy position.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ms Ward largely avoided questions about the deputy leadership.
“Ultimately that’s a matter for our party room but I hope we have the opportunity to see every if those members that are elected to this place from both houses, put their hand up to serve in the team,” she said.
NSW Liberal Party leader Mark Speakman and shadow treasurer Damien Tudehope have shared their support for Ms Ward to become deputy leader. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Jeremy Piper
It’s expected a deputy leader will be announced on Monday afternoon, along with the Coalition’s remaining shadow ministry.
As it stands Mr Tudehope has been appointed as the shadow treasurer, Matt Kean will be responsible for health and Alister Henskens will be the shadow attorney general.
National MP Bronnie Taylor has been appointed as opposition spokesperson for regional health, trade and seniors, and Sarah Mitchell will oversee education and early learning, and western NSW.
NSW Nationals Leader Paul Toole is also facing a leadership challenge at 2pm on Monday. Currently, he holds the shadow portfolio for police, and regional NSW.