A day after announcing he would be stepping aside from the NSW Labor leadership, Michael Daley has backflipped on his vow to recontest the leadership following the federal election.
On Tuesday, the former NSW opposition leader announced he would not be putting himself forward in the upcoming leadership ballot and that he had made the decision after consulting colleagues and family.
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Daley steps aside from Labor leadership as Coalition secures majority government in NSW
"I have always put the interests of the party first and in making this decision, continue to do so," he said in a statement on Tuesday.
“I intend to remain the Member for Maroubra. I have spoken to the Interim Leader, Penny Sharpe and have advised her that I will be taking leave over the next few weeks to spend time with my family.
On Monday, shortly after the Coalition secured a majority government in NSW, Mr Daley announced he would be stepping down as leader until a leadership vote could take place following the federal election.
“This is the right and proper thing to do. It is in keeping with the spirit of the state Labor Party’s caucus rules requiring a rank and file election of the leader," he said, claiming he did not want to be a distraction.
Deputy NSW Labor leader Penny Sharpe has taken the role of interim leader.
Gladys Berejiklian claimed victory in the NSW election on Saturday night.
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"This is unprecedented, we accept this, it is unchartered waters," Ms Sharpe said on Monday, suggesting a new, full-time leader would be in place by the end of June.
"We'll see how we go, but I am actually quite confident and calm about how we will deal with this."
