My leadership is rock solid: Rees

2 Dec 2009, 6:30 pm   -   Source: AAP
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NSW Premier Nathan Rees says his leadership is rock solid despite rumours of a spill (AAP)

NSW Premier Nathan Rees says his leadership is rock solid despite rumours of a spill (AAP)

NSW Premier Nathan Rees insists his leadership is "solid as a rock", as Twitter is abuzz with allegations of a NSW leadership spill.

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NSW Premier Nathan Rees insists his leadership is "solid as a rock", as Twitter is abuzz with allegations of a NSW leadership spill.

Mr Rees emerged from Tuesday's caucus meeting saying there's "no change at all" in the NSW leadership amid speculation he could be overthrown by Treasurer Eric Roozendaal or former minister and Rockdale MP Frank Sartor.

 "That didn't happen, quite the reverse," Mr Rees told reporters as he left the caucus room.

Asked about the position of his leadership, the premier replied it was "solid as a rock".

It's understood the leadership issue was raised during the almost one-hour meeting, with Mr Rees saying repeated speculation around his future wasn't helpful for MPs in marginal electorates.

Deputy Premier Carmel Tebbutt said a number of MPs also rose to speak in support of Mr Rees.

"We have a caucus that's united behind the premier and we'll keep doing that," she told reporters.

"There's no doubt we saw, at caucus today, strong support for the premier expressed by many individual members."

Ms Tebbutt refused to say whether she believed those said to be plotting against Mr Rees should be expelled from the Labor Party, saying "it's a robust process democracy".

Tuesday's caucus was, baring something extraordinary, the last before NSW parliament finishes for the year, meaning Mr Rees is set to enjoy a second Christmas as premier.


Before the meeting, Mr Roozendaal had already issued a statement denying he would challenge for the leadership.

"Nathan Rees has a very tough job and he has my full support," Mr Roozendaal said.

"I am the treasurer and that is the job I enjoy - and my priority is supporting jobs."

Mr Rees denied in parliament that his chief of staff, Graeme Wedderburn, threatened Mr Roozendaal would be stripped of the treasury portfolio if he did not issue the statement.

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Your Comments

Mrs

Carmel Turnbull - from Cremorne NSW, 3 years ago

I am horrified at the dropping of Nathan Rees who at least has shown some courage against the corrupt elements of the current government. God help us as we endure the next sixteen months with a little puppet premier. We thought the state was broke. I don't think we have seen anything yet! Bring on the next election!

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