Barilaro quit threat over Wagga: report

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro reportedly threatened to quit as state Nationals leader if his party insisted on running a candidate in the upcoming by-election in Wagga Wagga.

Fairfax Media reports Mr Barilaro told the executive of the party he wanted to avoid a contest between the Liberals and the Nationals in the state seat.

His party confirmed last Friday there would be no Nationals candidate to stand in the by-election which will be held after former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire formally resigns from the NSW parliament.