Bathurst MP Paul Toole is warming as a big favourite to become Deputy Premier of NSW after John Barilaro announced his resignation from the post and as leader of the NSW National Party on Monday, but said he won't reveal his decision until Tuesday.
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In a statement to the media on Monday, Mr Toole stayed tight-lipped on his intention to run for the deputy premiership, but praised his outgoing colleague for helping "steer NSW through some of its toughest periods-from drought to the pandemic."
"Over the next 24 hours, I'll consider how best I can serve our party and the people of NSW in this next period to build upon the foundations that he's laid," Mr Toole said.
"I've been proud to work alongside John since we were elected together in 2011 and over the past three years as his deputy, and seen the passion and ferocity he's thrown into every day."
Mr Toole will have competition for the leadership should he throw his hat into the ring, with Oxley MP Melinda Pavey declaring her intention to run.
Mr Barilaro's resignation continued an extraordinary few days for the NSW government, with Gladys Berejiklian resigning as premier last Friday and transport minister Andrew Constance announcing on Sunday his intention to quit state politics to contest a seat at the next federal election.
In his final press conference as Deputy Premier, Mr Barilaro acknowledged Mr Toole as a frontrunner to replace him, but stressed there could be a number of candidates.
"He's [Mr Toole] the frontrunner, but the reality is all elected members of our party have the ability to lead the Nationals in NSW," he said.
"If there's more than one candidate, that's a good thing for both the party, and for democracy."
Mr Barilaro announced "it was the right time to go" following the resignation of Ms Berejiklian and Mr Constance, stating he "had lost the fight" and wanted NSW to reopen with a fresh leadership team.
"I've played an important role, and I'm proud of that," he said.
"But to think I had a starring role in this difficult time for NSW is wrong; we have such a great team of MP's and public servants, most of whom will still be there once the state reopens next Monday."
Mr Barilaro's tenure as deputy premier has not been without significant scrutiny, notably by popular YouTube comedian and political commentator Jordan Shanks-Markovina [Friendlyjordies] of whom he is currently engaged in a defamation court case with.