NSW has now lost its deputy premier after Nationals leader John Barilaro said he's leaving state parliament in the wake of Gladys Berejikllian's departure, as the Liberals prepare to anoint a new leader and premier.
Mr Barilaro said it was time for a "refresh" as much of the state prepares to emerge from nearly four months of lockdown caused by another outbreak of COVID-19.
"I have decided now is the right time for me to hand the reins over to new leadership, and resign as Deputy Premier of NSW," he said in a statement.
Nationals MPs Melinda Pavey, Paul Toole, Adam Marshall are believed to be the main contenders to lead the junior coalition party and become the new deputy premier.
Mr Barilaro made his decision in the wake of the shock announcement by Ms Berejiklian on Friday that she was standing down after being informed she was the subject of a corruption commission inquiry.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Ms Berejiklian and on Monday appealed to his Liberal colleagues to back him after striking a deal to make Stuart Ayres his deputy.
After behind-the-scenes factional wrangling for much of the weekend, Mr Perrottet confirmed on Sunday he would seek to become the next premier.
The Epping MP entered NSW parliament in 2011 - then as Castle Hill MP - and served as finance minister before becoming treasurer.
The father of six is a member of the Liberal Party's right faction while Mr Ayres, the jobs minister, is from the dominant moderate faction.
Mr Perrottet also proposes making Environment Minister Matt Kean the NSW treasurer, if he wins.
The Liberal party room will meet on Tuesday to vote for their new leader.
"The next premier has big shoes to fill, but I wish them well and the best of luck, I will be cheering from the sidelines and I am excited for what is ahead under their stewardship," Mr Barilaro said.
Mr Perrottet, 39, on Monday played up his credentials working alongside Ms Berejiklian, who will officially stand down once the new leader is confirmed, saying he would bring unity.
"I am asking for my colleagues' support to lead the government with Stuart Ayres as deputy," he wrote in an opinion piece published in The Daily Telegraph on Monday.
"As Gladys demonstrated so well, leading a successful Liberal and National government requires unity across our party's 'broad church'," he said.
"We can only do that if we remain united, and maintain stability and continuity for the people of our state."
Mr Perrottet's rival is Planning Minister Rob Stokes, 47, the member for Pittwater, who's meeting with his supporters to discuss his proposed tilt at the leadership.
Mr Stokes on Monday, also writing in the Telegraph, said he would bring experience and integrity to the job.
"I also believe I am the NSW government's best chance of winning the next election," he said.
"I owe it to those who want to continue the Liberal and National vision for NSW to be a candidate for my colleagues to choose from."
Former prime minister and Liberal party elder John Howard on the weekend backed Mr Perrottet, saying he was driven and reform-focused.
Ms Berejiklian announced she was leaving after the state's corruption watchdog disclosed the 51-year-old was under investigation for potential breaches of public trust.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption is investigating whether Ms Berejiklian "exercised public functions" in a position of conflict given her secret five-year relationship with ex-MP Daryl Maguire.
The new NSW government leadership will face three by-elections in the coming months for the seats of Willoughby, Bega and Monaro held respectively by Ms Berejiklian, outgoing Liberal minister Andrew Constance and Mr Barilaro.
© AAP 2021