Watkins rules out bid for top job

(Tuesday 8 July 2008)

New South Wales Deputy Premier John Watkins has denied speculation he will seek to replace embattled Premier Morris Iemma as the state’s leader.

Responding to claims that he, Emergency Services Minister Nathan Rees and member for Marrickville Carmel Tebbutt are being touted as potential leaders, Mr Watkins told Fairfax radio he would not seek or accept a nomination as Premier.

“My job is to be the best possible deputy premier I can be and that’s what I’m fixated on doing,” he said.

“Morris Iemma, in my view, will be the premier of New South Wales up until the next election.”

(read the full story at http://news.theage.com.au/national/watkins-denies-hes-after-iemmas-job-20080708-37vn.html)

To view John Watkins' full biography, purchase a copy of Who's Who in Australia 2008 or subscribe to Who's Who Live!. For more information about Who's Who publications, click here.