Federal takeover of NSW Liberals after council fiasco

The decision came after a meeting on September 3 that considered a report from former federal party director Brian Loughnane into the NSW Liberals' failure to nominate 140 candidates in 16 councils ahead of September local government elections.

In a statement, the federal executive said it had requested the appointment of "three eminent Australians" as a committee of management to replace its state executive.

Those members are ex-Victorian treasurer Alan Stockdale, former Pittwater MP and NSW minister Rob Stokes and former Victorian senator Richard Alston.

The takeover is expected to last 10 months.

Former NSW state director Chris Stone is also back in the role.

NSW opposition leader Mark Speakman welcomed the appointment of Mr Stone.

"This is outcome I have working to achieve, including through extensive conversations with Chris, since the recent termination of the previous state director," he said.

"The proposed appointees have significant experience, but I would welcome the inclusion of an experienced female in this crucial role."

A woman may be appointed after former state infrastructure minister Stokes told media outlets on September 3 he was not consulted before his appointment and would not join the committee.

"I am always happy to help but I did not anticipate this appointment and I am not in a position to accept," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Mr Speakman said in a press conference on September 4 the "fundamentals of the Liberal Party remain sound".

"Here in Macquarie Street I lead a united team," he said. "We will overcome, we will unite, we will take up the fight."

Mr Speakman was confident a replacement for Mr Stokes would be found soon.