Chris Minns thanks Gladys Berejiklian for dedication and hard work as Premier

Mr Minns released a statement as Liberal MPs began jockeying to replace Ms Berejiklian who quit after the ICAC announced a further investigation into a potential breach of public trust.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Planning Minister Rob Stokes are considered the front-runners, with Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres and Transport Minister Andrew Constance other possibilities.

Mr Minns, whose chances of leading a Labor government after the 2023 election have increased enormously, said in a statement, "From day one I have acknowledged the Premier's efforts steering our state through the COVID crisis last year.

"For all our disagreements, I never doubted Gladys' dedication to NSW, or her work in the service of it. I thank her for her service.

"There will be other occasions to carefully examine the detail of these revelations and consider their impact on the future of our state. It is right and important that we do so.

"Ensuring New South Wales gets through the COVID-19 emergency must be the priority of the NSW Liberal-National Government right now.

"For the people of NSW, the COVID crisis is still very real, much of the state is locked down, businesses are shut, schools are closed, families are separated, hospitals are under pressure.

"The focus must be to work on behalf of the people of New South Wales first and foremost, even in the midst of a leadership contest."