Court ruling on NSW Liberal preselections could end chaos although high court action looms

Court of appeal finds the party's federal executive has broad powers to intervene in affairs of state divisions

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Scott Morrison's captain's picks for 13 New South Wales seats in the upcoming federal election have been confirmed as valid clearing the way for the prime minister to go to the governor general and call an election.

The NSW court of appeal, comprised of three senior NSW judges, on Tuesday declined to overturn the preselections, ruling that there was no right" arising out of the electoral laws that could be enforced in the courts, and that in any event, the constitution of the federal Liberal party gave its executive very broad powers to intervene.