NSW Liberals refused extension after local council nomination disaster

The NSW Electoral Commission has refused the Liberal Party’s bid to extend the nomination period for local government elections.

The NSW Liberals are in a world of hurt after the party failed to nominate dozens of candidates for the elections next month.

The latest blow came on Saturday when the Electoral Commission revealed it would not allow extra time for the party to correct its blunder.

“The letter requested an extension of the nomination period from Wednesday, 14 August until Wednesday, 21 August,” the commission said.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Dr Matthew Phillips “has determined not to extend the nomination period”.

As many as 12 Sydney councils are without Liberal candidates for the September 14 elections as a result of the nominations disaster.

Shields blamed a lack of “secretariat resources”.

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman described the error as a “monumental debacle” and called for Shields to step down.