The fate of Natalie Ward, tipped as a future leader of the NSW Liberals, will be on the line when members consider whether to promote or stymie her progress.
The party will meet on May 8 to vote on a rule change to allow members of the upper house, including Ward, to become deputy Liberal leader.
Currently, only lower house members can nominate and vote on the deputy leadership in the NSW Liberal Party.
The issue has also held up the announcement of Opposition Leader Mark Speakman’s full shadow cabinet, ahead of parliament’s return on Tuesday.
The former attorney-general was elected Liberal leader more than two weeks ago after running for the party’s top job as a “united team” with Ms Ward and former finance minister Damien Tudehope.
As the party attempts to reform its image in the wake of its state election defeat, Liberal insiders are not confident the party will reach the two-thirds majority needed to change the rule.
Some claim supporting the reform could create a “slippery slope” where other long-held rules and traditions are quickly changed.
The decision was one for the Liberal party room to make, Ward told reporters on May 5.
“Obviously I’m interested in seeing those rule changes put in place so that every person who was elected in this parliament can put their hand up to serve in the party,” she said.
“But ultimately that’s a matter for our party room.
“I hope that we have the opportunity to see every one of those members that are elected from both houses put their hand up to serve in the team.”
Ward attempted to leave the upper house and contest the safe Liberal seat of Davidson but was defeated during preselection last year by then-unknown Liberal staffer Matt Cross.
Cross won the seat during the March state election.
The preselection defeat prompted former premier Dominic Perrottet to call Ward a “leading light” and future party leader.
