UPDATE 5.15pm
Mike Baird said his family had ‘‘signed up’’ for the job he was taking on as the state’s new premier.
Speaking at a media conference before being sworn in, Mr Baird was asked why he had decided to run when he appeared undecided yesterday.
He indicated to his wife and children, who were standing alongside, and said it was ‘‘not an individual decision’’.
‘‘If you want to do this you have to put your heart and soul into it,’’ he said.
Mr Baird said he had consulted his family and was amazed at their willingness for him to seek the position.
They had ‘‘signed up for the opportunity’’.
Mr Baird said former premier Barry O’Farrell was in ‘‘incredible spirits’’ despite what had happened.
‘‘He wants to continue in his role as a local member and is keen to make a contribution,’’ he said.
Mr Baird said ministerial positions would be considered over the next few days.
Handing over his treasury portfolio to someone else so close to the budget in June would be ‘‘a hospital pass’’.
Mr Baird said he was of the same view as Mr O’Farrell that a decision to sell the electricity ‘‘poles and wires’’ should not be made without seeking an election mandate.
What changes, if any, would you like to see from Mike Baird?
UPDATE 4.20pm
Cronulla MP Mark Speakman was quick to congratulate the new leadership team.
Mr Speakman said in a statement that Mr Baird was ‘‘highly principled, passionate and hardworking’’ and he was confident he would be ‘‘a strong and energetic leader, focused on the government’s core agenda, that is jobs creation, more frontline services and delivery of infrastructure’’.
‘‘Gladys Berejiklian’s successes in the transport portfolio are testament to her outstanding skill, dedication and intellect,’’ he said.
The new team called a media conference for 4.30pm.
Opposition Leader John Robertson used St George Hospital as a backdrop to declare the state government was in ‘‘complete disarray’’.
UPDATE 3.15PM
Mike Baird has been elected NSW Premier with Gladys Berejiklian his deputy. They were unopposed.
The party meeting started at 3pm and votes were finalised in 15 minutes.
2pm:
Mike Baird is expected to be the new Premier of NSW, with Gladys Berejiklian his deputy.
Mr Baird, the present Treasurer, and Ms Berejiklian, the Transport Minister, released a joint statement this morning.
‘‘We are contesting the leadership and deputy leadership of the NSW Liberal Party, with Mike Baird to become leader,’’ the statement said.
“We strongly encourage our colleagues to support this decision this afternoon.”.
Mr Baird is the son of former Cook MP Bruce Baird
.Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced she would step down as deputy leader of the NSW parliamentary Liberal Party to make way for Gladys Berejiklian.
Ms Skinner said in a statement that the decision followed discussions between the pair.
‘‘I will be strongly supporting Gladys as my replacement. She is an enormously talented minister who is making a huge contribution to the NSW government’’ Mrs Skinner said.
“I commend Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian for announcing their joint bid to contest the NSW Liberal Party leadership, thereby ensuring a seamless transition.”
Health Minister Jillian Skinner announced she would step down as deputy leader of the NSW parliamentary Liberal Party to make way for Gladys Berejiklian.
Ms Skinner said in a statement that the decision followed discussions between the pair.
‘‘I will be strongly supporting Gladys as my replacement. She is an enormously talented minister who is making a huge contribution to the NSW government’’ Mrs Skinner said.
“I commend Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian for announcing their joint bid to contest the NSW Liberal Party leadership, thereby ensuring a seamless transition.”
Family and Community Services Minister, Pru Goward, announced she had decided not to nominate for the deputy party leader position.
Ms Goward said this followed discussions with Mr Baird and Ms Berejiklian.
‘‘This decision has not been taken lightly, however, my primary focus is the unity of the NSW Liberal Party and the delivery of a stable, competent government for the people of NSW,’’ she said.
However, party unity looked unlikely to be achieved with right-wing Liberals incensed at the deal between Mr Baird and Mr Berejiklian, both of whom are from the party’s left-wing.
Do you think Mr Baird will be a good premier?
