Rob Stokes named new NSW planning minister

Pittwater MP Rob Stokes will move from the NSW environment ministry to the more contentious planning ministry, following the post-election cabinet reshuffle announced by Premier Mike Baird yesterday.

The former Planning Minister Pru Goward - there since April 2014 - has become the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, while remaining Minister for Women. Goward will also become Assistant Health Minister and have responsibility for mental health and medical research.

The newly elected Cronulla MP Mark Speakman will be the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Assistant Planning. He has been tipped as potential future Attorney-General. 

Brad Hazzard was an earlier Coalition government Planning Minister.

Stokes entered parliament in 2007, succeeding former Liberal leader John Brodgen in the northern beaches seat. Stokes had been an adviser in Brogden's leader of the opposition office.

He is a close friend of Baird. Born and raised in the electorate, on election he had belonged to the Mona Vale Surf Club for 15 years. He briefly lived outside the district when he owned in Seaforth, but sold the house before winning pre-selection.

He has a PhD in environmental planning law and diploma in biblical studies.

He was once described by the SMH as having been a numbers man for the left of the NSW Liberal Party.