Melanie Gibbons stays on in State Parliament as she seeks preselection for federal seat of Hughes

Four other state MPs - Andrew Constance, John Barilaro, Jodi McKay and Gladys Berejiklian - tendered their resignations last week, with by-elections expected to be held on February 12 following consultation with the NSW Electoral Commissioner and party leaders.

Ms Gibbons told the Leader, "It was never my intention to resign this early".

"As I said the day I outlined my plans. I want to represent my community for as long as possible, especially to help us through these tough times," she said.

This leaves Ms Gibbons with the option of staying in State Parliament if she fails to win preselection for Hughes.

It also spares Premier Dominic Perrottet another by-election in the immediate future. The Liberal Party margin in Holsworthy is a slender 3.2 per cent.

When Ms Gibbons announced in October 2021 her intention to run for Hughes, she said, "I have advised the Premier that I will continue to serve in my role as the State Member for Holsworthy until I am required to resign for the federal election, whenever that is called".

It was assumed at the time Ms Gibbons was a near certainty to win preselection, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressing enthusiastic support for her transition from state to federal politics.

However, the preselection contest has since become tight, with Jenny Ware, a Gymea Bay resident and lawyer, gaining strong support.

Ms Ware has the backing of the party's moderates faction and, according to sources, a high level of support within local branches.

She has been endorsed by Danna Vale, who held Hughes for the Liberal Party from 1996 to 2010 before retiring and Craig Kelly moving in.

Attorney-General Mark Speakman and Heathcote MP Lee Evans are among other supporters.

Ms Ware was a long time Liberal Party member before dropping out and rejoining this year.

A lawyer specialised in planning, environmental, litigation and government law, Ms Ware is at present the director, legal services and general counsel at Georges River Council.

Ms Ware grew up in Cronulla and has lived at Gymea Bay for the last 20 years. She is married with twin teenage sons, is a past board member of the Sylvanvale Foundation and past president of Gymea Community Preschool and Gymea Bay P&C.