to the New York trade posting and the involvement of then-minister Stuart Ayres in the process.
As Brown fronted questions for a second time, she revealed Ayres' input into the appointment carried "some weight". Brown also admitted Ayres wasn't kept at "arm's length" from the decision making and regularly sought his opinion. While he will remain an MP for Penrith, Ayres has stepped down as deputy leader of the NSW Liberals, as well as his ministerial roles .
"The draft review that I have seen, relating to those matters with respect to Mr Ayres, raises questions," he said. Ayres had been under fire for his handling of the former deputy premier's appointment, following accusations he used discussions with Brown to promote Barilaro's standing as a candidate.Former NSW trade minister Stuart Ayres had been under intense scrutiny over the John Barilaro affair.