Federal Liberals to take control of NSW division after review

The federal Liberal executive has intervened in the New South Wales division due to a significant failure in candidate nominations for local government elections. A review by Brian Loughnane highlighted serious issues within the NSW Liberals, prompting the federal executive to demand the establishment of a temporary management committee. This committee will consist of three appointed members, including former party president Alan Stockdale, former planning minister Rob Stokes, and communications minister Richard Alston, and will operate for ten months leading up to the federal election due by May 2025. The NSW division's inability to nominate 140 candidates across 16 councils has raised concerns about its preparedness for upcoming elections. The federal executive's decision to appoint Chris Stone as the new state director follows the dismissal of Richard Shields, who was responsible for the nomination failures. The NSW Liberal leader, Mark Speakman, expressed support for Stone's appointment, emphasizing the need for experienced leadership during this critical period. Despite the appointment of experienced individuals, there has been criticism regarding the lack of female representation in the committee. A Liberal source noted that the absence of women in senior roles could hinder the party's effectiveness. Speakman acknowledged the importance of including a female perspective in the committee's composition. The federal leader, Peter Dutton, affirmed the necessity of winning seats in New South Wales and indicated that the party is currently polling well in the state. The intervention aims to restore order within the NSW division and ensure the party is prepared to challenge the current Labor government effectively.