Stuart Ayres resigns as NSW minister after questions raised by John Barilaro trade role review

Ayres denies any wrongdoing but says he will stand down as deputy NSW Liberal leader to allow matters to be investigated

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Stuart Ayres has resigned as deputy NSW Liberal leader and trade and investment minister, with the premier, Dominic Perrottet, saying a draft of an independent report raised questions over his engagement with the department in the appointment of John Barilaro to a New York trade position.

Perrottet said Ayres offered his resignation late on Tuesday night after a draft excerpt of an independent report by Graeme Head raised questions deemed a possible breach of the ministerial code of conduct.