Liberal Party Faces Crisis as Leaders Resign

The New South Wales Liberal Party is grappling with a significant crisis as it prepares for the upcoming local elections, with reports labeling the situation as the "worst act of mismanagement in the organisation's history." The party has failed to secure candidates for up to a dozen councils, impacting around 140 Liberal candidates, including many sitting members who now face job losses. Party leader Mark Speakman has publicly called for the resignation of state director Richard Shields following the missed nomination deadline for the September 14 elections. In a dramatic turn of events, Lane Cove Council Mayor Scott Bennison announced his resignation from the Liberal Party during a live radio interview, expressing his frustration with the party's internal politics. Bennison, who has been a member since 2007, criticized the decision to replace him with a 22-year-old political staffer for preselection, stating that the community deserves better representation. His resignation highlights the growing discontent among party members regarding the handling of candidate selections. Speakman echoed Bennison's sentiments in an email to colleagues, describing the situation as "unbelievable" and a significant setback for the party. The fallout from this mismanagement extends to several councils in Sydney, including Northern Beaches, Lane Cove, Camden, and Campbelltown, as well as regional areas like Wollongong and Shoalhaven, where voters may be left without Liberal candidates. As the party faces mounting pressure, Speakman insists that Shields must take responsibility for the debacle, emphasizing the need for accountability within the organization. The unfolding crisis raises serious questions about the party's future and its ability to regain the trust of its members and the public.