3.20pm TREASURER MIKE Baird has been elected unopposed as Premier of NSW. Transport Minister Gladys Berejilkian was appointed deputy leader of the Liberal Party.
Earlier today, Mr Baird and Ms Berejeklian formed joint leadership ticket, which was not challenged at the extraordinary meeting held to elect the new Liberal leadership at 3pm today.
Deputy Premier and National Party leader Andrew Stoner welcomed the leadership team.
"The Nationals fully support the incoming Premier and, together with the Liberals, are committed to providing strong, stable and responsible government for NSW," Mr Stoner said.
"As Treasurer for the past three years, Mike has helped secure increased funding for regional NSW, including a record $13 billion for regional infrastructure."
2.55pm: Resources and Energy Minister Anthony Roberts has also decided not to contest the deputy's position.
"Despite considerable pressure and encouragement among colleagues and the community to nominate for the position of Deputy Leader, I have decided against nominating," he said today.
"There was strong and wide support among my Parliamentary colleagues for me to nominate today.
"My decision to not proceed to nominate underscores the strength and unity of the NSW Liberals.
"I believe Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian will make a terrific leadership team for the NSW Liberal Party and I will be strongly supporting them.
"The Coalition will take a strong and united team to the next election that is focused on further strengthening the economy, building infrastructure and delivering for the people of NSW.
"I look forward to serving in a strong and balanced Cabinet.
"I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to Premier Barry O’Farrell for his great leadership and service to the people of NSW.
"I would also like to recognise the contribution of my colleague Jillian Skinner as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, who has today stepped down from the role."
1.30pm: Family and Community Services Minister Pru Goward has decided not to contest the deputy leadership of the Liberal Party.
Ms Goward said she wanted to ensure party unity.
"After discussions with my colleagues, including the Treasurer, Mike Baird, and the Transport Minister, Gladys Berejiklian, I have decided not to nominate for the position of Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in this afternoon's ballot," she said in a statement.
"This decision has not been taken lightly, however my primary focus is the unity of the NSW Liberal Party, and the delivery of a stable, competent government for the people of NSW."
11.15am: Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party Jillian Skinner has stood down.
In a statement she said: “Following discussions with my colleague Gladys Berejiklian, I have decided to step down as Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal Party at this afternoon’s Party meeting.
“I will be strongly supporting Gladys as my replacement - she is an enormously talented minister who is making a huge contribution to the NSW Government.
“I commend both Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian for announcing their joint bid to contest the NSW Liberal Party leadership, thereby ensuring a seamless transition.”
10.30am: THE NSW Liberal Party's leadership question looks to be solved, with Treasurer Mike Baird set to become leader and and Transport Minister Gladys Berejiklian taking the deputy role.
The party is expected to rubber stamp the Baird-Berejeklian joint ticket at an extraordinary meeting scheduled for 3pm today, following Barry O'Farrell's shock resignation yesterday.
The two MPs released a joint statement earlier this morning.
“We strongly encourage our colleagues to support this decision this afternoon," the statement said.
Supporters of each minister have been running the numbers overnight in anticipation of a ballot.
However, the prospect of a split party room vote remains, if only remotely.
It is understood Ms Berejiklian will not contest the ballot for leader in the interests of party stability.
It is unclear if there may be other challengers for the leadership, including Community Services Minister Pru Goward.
However, Mr Baird is expected to have the support to carry any ballot that may occur.
It is unlikely Ms Berejiklian will seek a new portfolio such as Treasury.
