Dominic Perrottet has been elected as the youngest ever NSW Premier after winning the Liberal partyroom ballot against Rob Stokes.
He has succeeded former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian after her sudden resignation last week.
Government Whip Adam Crouch confirmed the win at NSW Parliament, with 39 votes for Mr Perrottet and five for Mr Stokes.
“It’s an honour and absolute privilege to be elected as the parliamentary leader of the Liberal Party, the Premier of New South Wales,” the current NSW Premier said after the vote.
“I appreciate the trust my colleagues have put in me today.”
The devout Catholic and father-of-six is the 46th person to be NSW Premier. He is also the youngest individual to take on the state’s top job, having just recently turned 39.
Meanwhile, Mr Stokes said he stood against his colleague to give the party’s a choice.
“Dominic Perrottet will be a magnificent premier and he has my undivided loyalty and support,” he said.
“I will use every ounce of strength in my body to make sure that he is re-elected as premier in New South Wales when we go to the polls in 2023.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard welcomed Dominic Perrottet’s election to NSW Premier, stating that he will do a great job at looking after the citizens of the state.
Aside from his election to NSW Premier, a deal was struck to make Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres the Deputy Premier and promote Environment Minister Matt Kean to Treasurer.
Minister Ayres’ elevation was unopposed as there is an expected ministerial reshuffle in the days to come.
Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who did not attend the voting, quit on Friday after the state’s corruption watchdog disclosed that she was under investigation for potential breaches of public trust during her secret five-year relationship with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.
With these changes, it is expected that the NSW Government will have an entirely fresh leadership team by Wednesday after Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro announced he too would quit parliament.
Paul Toole and Adam Marshall are expected to join Melinda Pavey in a three-way race to fill his position.
With AAP