Labor claim an exchange in parliament today shows NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance is set to replace the departing Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis and contest the next federal election.
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In proposing a motion in parliament to farewell her Liberal opponent, Member for Strathfield Jodi McKay said she would miss Mr Constance.
To which the Bega MP replied – “not as much as I’ll miss you”.
Labor leader Michael Daley said Mr Constance’s reply “confirms his abandonment of the Premier and her government.”
Ms Sudmalis announced earlier this year she was quitting federal politics, claiming she was the victim of branch stacking and bullying by Kiama MP Gareth Ward.
NSW Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park said the “embattled transport minister” was abandoning his party on the eve of the state election in March, 2019.
“This is clearly a vote of no confidence in Gladys Berejiklian,” Mr Park said.
“As the people of NSW and Bega look to choose who represents them for the next term of government, one of Ms Berejiklian’s senior Ministers is jumping ship.
“The Transport Minister continues to treat the people of Bega and NSW with contempt.”
There has been no confirmation from Mr Constance that he is leaving state politics.