ROB STOKES STATEMENT
Gladys Berejiklian has been an outstanding Premier of NSW. She had led our state through some of the most challenging events in living memory.
The people of NSW know that they could not have elected a more hard-working person to lead our state. When bushfires raged and the pandemic worsened, they placed their trust in Gladys – and she delivered.
It has been an honour to work with Gladys and to serve in the essential portfolios of Planning, Public Spaces, Education, Environment, Heritage and the Central Coast.
The NSW Liberal Party is blessed to have some very talented people in its ranks, who could all bring different qualities to the role of leader.
But I believe my track record during my time in public office makes me the best candidate to lead the NSW Government.
I also believe the party room should have a choice when selecting its next leader, and I believe I provide that choice. 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.
NSW is about to embark on the immense challenge of recovering from the brutal effects of the last two years. We are facing a great number of challenges and stable, unified leadership is now more important than ever.
The NSW Coalition is the best team to ensure our recovery succeeds, and I believe I am the best person to lead the government into the critical next election.
I have asked my colleagues for their support, and I am grateful many colleagues have encouraged me to nominate for leader.
I am blessed to have the support of my family in making this decision and I will continue speaking with my colleagues over the weekend.
