New documents in the John Barilaro inquiry have thrust Deputy NSW Liberal Leader Stuart Ayres into the spotlight.

A ministerial briefing note, signed by Mr Ayres confirmed the appointment of a senior trade and investment commissioner was sent out, which listed the successful candidate as former senior bureaucrat Jenny West.

However, Mr Ayres recently told parliament “at the end of that first round of recruitment, that there was no suitable candidate identified”.

The claim has been parrotted by the Premier, despite it being revealed Dominic Perrottet’s office received the initial briefing.

Minister Ayres is now saying the brief he signed “did not represent the end of the recruitment process”.

“Minister, please,” Ben Fordham cautioned.

“You are full of it and you’re not fooling anyone.

“If you don’t own up, you’ll take others down with you!”

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