Cleared of wrongdoing, the political fate of former NSW minister Stuart Ayres remains uncertain

Whether Ayres returns to cabinet or retires to the backbench, Dominic Perrottet faces further headaches

• Get our free news app, morning email briefing or daily news podcast

For Stuart Ayres, the release on Monday of a report clearing him of breaching the New South Wales ministerial code of conduct was vindication.

Bruce McClintock SC was unequivocal in finding the former deputy Liberal leader and trade minister had not acted improperly in John Barilaro's appointment to a lucrative New York trade job.

Sign up to receive an email with the top stories from Guardian Australia every morning