NSW: Debnam pulls out of NSW leadership contest

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2007
NSW: Debnam pulls out of NSW leadership contest

By Simon Kirby and Peter Jean

SYDNEY, April 2 AAP - Peter Debnam has withdrawn from the contest for the NSW Liberal
Party leadership, clearing the way for Barry O'Farrell to step into the role unopposed.

Mr Debnam, whose opposition achieved only a small swing against the unpopular Labor
government at the March 24 state election, made the announcement at a brief press conference
at state parliament today.

"At this time it is important for the party to avoid what could be a divisive leadership
contest," he told reporters.

"We have worked too hard since 2005 to ensure unity and build political momentum.

"As a result I will not force a vote for the leadership."

The move means Mr O'Farrell is the sole candidate for the leadership, which will officially
be determined in a party room vote on Wednesday.

Mr Debnam said his replacement would have his full support.

"With the election of another leader on Wednesday, the Liberal Party must commit to
support and encouraging the new leader through the full term of this Parliament," Mr Debnam
said.

"I look forward to working with the new leader to ensure success at the 2011 state election."

After reading a prepared statement, Mr Debnam refused to answer questions.

Mr O'Farrell declined to comment on Mr Debnam's decision to pull out of the ballot.

He was likely to win 18 votes in the party room on Wednesday whereas Mr Debnam had
only 12, NSW coalition powerbrokers told Fairfax.

The leadership change follows a weak showing in the state election, in which the opposition
parties secured less than a four per cent swing against the incumbent Labor government,
which has been in power for 12 years.

Mr O'Farrell and Mr Debnam both nominated for the Liberal leadership in August 2005
after former leader John Brogden resigned.

After Mr Brogden made an apparent suicide bid, Mr O'Farrell pulled out of the leadership
race, allowing Mr Debnam to be elected unopposed.

A spokesman for Mr O'Farrell said he had no comment on Mr Debnam's decision and would
respect the right of Liberal MPs to decide on the leadership when they meet on Wednesday.

"He's not going to pre-empt what the party room might decide," the spokesman said.

"But he's very much going to respect the wishes and the rights of the party room to
vote on Wednesday morning."

AAP sk/pj/hn/sp

KEYWORD: LIBERALS DEBNAM LEAD (WITH FACTBOX)

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