<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>328333</docID> <postdate>2024-09-04 09:26:28</postdate> <headline>Ex-minister backs out of NSW Liberal takeover</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-328335" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20230325001779255104-original-resized-e1725405711325.jpg" alt="" width="774" height="516" /></p> <caption>Brian Loughnane's review of the NSW Liberals has recommended two Victorians take the reins. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Luke Costin</strong> in Sydney</span></p> <p><strong>The federal Liberals' extraordinary takeover of the embattled NSW division has already hit a snag, with one of three former politicians who were anointed leaders backing out immediately.</strong></p> <p>Former federal communications minister Richard Alston and ex-Victorian treasurer Alan Stockdale were expected to join former NSW minister Rob Stokes in overseeing the state party's affairs for the next 10 months.</p> <p>The federal executive's intervention on Tuesday was triggered by admin failures and factional infighting, spooking party leaders before an expected 2025 federal election.</p> <p>One NSW Liberal MP, speaking to AAP on the condition of anonymity, described the inclusion of Mr Stokes on the proposed committee as a "massive surprise".</p> <p>And it appears it was also a huge shock to Mr Stokes himself.</p> <p>By late on Tuesday night, the former state infrastructure minister had told media outlets he would not join the committee.</p> <p>"I am always happy to help but I did not anticipate this appointment and I am not in a position to accept," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.</p> <p>The embarrassing development may mean NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman gets his way in having a woman added to the committee.</p> <p>"The proposed appointees have significant experience, but I would welcome the inclusion of an experienced female in this crucial role," he said in a statement on Tuesday.</p> <p>"Views may differ on the scope and purpose of the committee, but what is more important is that all Liberals unite to defeat the Albanese Labor government and the Minns Labor government."</p> <p>The committee will replace the party's de facto board - the 26-member state executive, which moderate powerbroker Don Harwin had led.</p> <p>It follows an urgent review by the party's former federal director Brian Loughnane after deep-seated factional rifts beset the party in recent years.</p> <p>The final straw was a failure in August to nominate more than 140 candidates for the statewide local government elections on September 14.</p> <p>Those left off ballots include sitting councillors in party heartland including Sydney's northern beaches, where Tony Abbott and Bronwyn Bishop enjoyed long reigns as federal MPs.</p> <p>Former longtime NSW state director Chris Stone will rejoin the party in a temporary role following the sacking of state director Richard Shields.</p> <p>Among his first tasks is overseeing by-election campaigns in three Liberal-held seats in northern Sydney in October.</p> <p>Tuesday's move follows reports into the 2022 federal and 2023 state elections identifying concerns about internal party structures including the state executive and deep frustration in its ability to make timely and necessary decisions.</p> </body>