‘Too early’: Outgoing Treasurer Matt Kean avoids entertaining NSW Liberal leadership speculation following election defeat

Matt Kean has declared it’s too early to start talking about the next leader of the New South Wales Liberal Party following defeat at the polls.

Appearing on the ABC’s election night panel after Dominic Perrottet announced he will step down as leader, Mr Kean was pressed about possible candidates for the role.

The outgoing treasurer and energy minister however said it’s “too early to go into those conversations” and that it’s a matter for the party room.

The Member for Hornsby was then asked more directly if he will seek out the position.

“No, it is too early, I haven’t thought about it. I’ve been thinking about ensuring we win this election,” Mr Kean replied.

“It has been a really difficult job as the treasurer, and also as the energy minister at this time.

“This is not an easy portfolio, full of culture was, vested interests and different viewpoints.”

Mr Perrottet addressed Liberal HQ in Sydney’s CBD just before 10pm on Saturday where he declared it was “very clear” the party needed a “fresh start” after the election defeat.

“As leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party, I take full responsibility for the loss this evening. And, as a result I will be standing down,” he said.

“I want to thank the community of Epping and recognise they continue support and thank you very much for supporting me at this election.

“Overall the 93 electorates across the state, Epping is best.”

Mr Kean, who served as Mr Perrottet’s deputy, conceded that the leadership position is demanding and would be a tough job.

“Seeing what Dom Perrottet has had to carry, it does make you think about the impact it does have on your family, it makes you think about the impact it has on you,” he said.

“I was a junior minister when Gladys Berejiklian was the Premier, during that campaign, and now I have been by Dom’s side during this journey, I have seen how demanding the job us.”

During the broadcast Mr Kean was also involved in a back-and-forth with Labor MP turned One Nation candidate Tania Mihailuk, who called for his resignation on air.

“If you are the opposition leader the Liberals are out for generations, out for generations,” she said, to applause from supporters.

“Please be the opposition leader, we will do better.

“Matt Kean had huge swings against him in his own seat, you have cost your own party government.

“You should be thinking about resigning. Resign.”

Mr Perrottet was sworn in as the 46th premier of NSW in October 2021, replacing his former boss Ms Berejiklian.

His predecessor was forced to resign after the state’s Independent Commission Against Corruption announced she was under investigation.

The father-of-seven was elected as the state’s liberal leader after winning a party room ballot, 39 votes to five, against close friend Rob Stokes.