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Dominic Perrottet sworn in as new NSW Premier

Dominic Perrottet has officially been sworn in as the 46th Premier of New South Wales.

Mr Perrottet was elected as the Liberal leader this morning in a party room ballot following the abrupt resignation of outgoing Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday.

The Governor of NSW, the honourable Margaret Beazley, swore in Mr Perrottet this afternoon in a ceremony at Government House.

Stuart Ayres was sworn in as Deputy Premier, and Matt Kean as Treasurer and Minister for the Environment.

Earlier today newly-elected New South Wales Liberal leader Dominic Perrottet said “a new chapter” is beginning for the state.

The incoming NSW Premier also confirmed there would be no cabinet reshuffle and that ‘freedom day’ is still likely to go ahead as planned on October 11 despite speculation he was considering bringing that date forward.

In his first remarks since being appointed as the next NSW Premier, Mr Perrottet acknowledged the “difficulty” of recent days, and praised his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian.

“Everyone would agree that her hard work, tireless dedication and total commitment to her job was second to none,” he said.

“She has been an inspiring role model for many, especially women and migrant communities, and that is just one of the reasons why I believe there has been such an outpouring of support over the last few days.”

Ms Berejiklian resigned from Parliament on Friday after it was revealed she was facing an ICAC investigation.

In today’s party room ballot Mr Perrottet received 39 votes, while fellow challenger, Planning Minister Rob Stokes, received five.

Government whip Adam Crouch also announced that Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres was elected the deputy Liberal leader.

Mr Perrottet congratulated Mr Ayres, calling him a “fighter for Western Sydney”.

He also laid out the incoming government’s earliest steps, which would be focused largely on the COVID-19 pandemic and minimising the disruption of a change in government.

“Our first priority will be to continue the plan that we have started: keeping people safe, opening up the economy, and securing our recovery,” he said.

“There will be no cabinet reshuffle until we’re through this challenge. Our team will bring the energy, the experience to get our state safely open again, and then take it to the next level.”

He said Matt Kean, currently Environment Minister, would ultimately take over the Treasury portfolio.

“We will work through those other arrangements, but ultimately, my commitment today is that we will keep the team in place through summer,” he said.

However, he also signalled an apparent change in approach.

“Up until now, all of our Liberal premiers have been infrastructure premiers, building roads, rail, schools and hospitals for communities right across our state, and that will not change with me,” he said.

“But I will also be a family Premier, focusing on how we can make life better for working families, living the Liberal values of opportunity, aspiration and hard work.”

Member for Bathurst Paul Toole announced this morning he will be in the running to become the new Deputy Premier of NSW.

Source: 9news.com.au