‘We’re preparing for it to be bad’: Perrottet missing in action before NSW byelections

As four New South Wales electorates prepare to hold byelections next weekend, one face is noticeably absent from Liberal party campaign material.

In Bega, where the former teacher, scientist and small business owner Fiona Kotvojs is running, the outgoing local MP Andrew Constance is everywhere: on how-to-vote cards expressing support for her, on leaflets praising her "experience and track record".

Bridget Sakr's leaflets in Strathfield in Sydney's west are all about her personal story, with references from the federal MP Fiona Martin and other local figures. While in Willougby, former premier Gladys Berejiklian's endorsements for Menzies Research thinktank head and new candidate, Tim James, are plastered far and wide.

The NSW premier, Dominic Perrottet, though, is missing in action. In fact, the only place the premier features prominently is in Labor's campaign material. Posters of the premier's face are bordered unsubtly with biohazard-tape and the words "make him listen, don't vote Liberal" have been plastered throughout Strathfield.

Ahead of next Saturday's four byelections, Perrottet's lack of prominence tells the story. Most governments struggle in byelections, especially after 11 years in office. Throw in the loss of the ultra-popular Berejiklian to a corruption scandal, anger over handling of the Omicron wave, and green shoots in the long-dormant NSW Labor party, and the government is concerned.

"We're preparing for it to be bad," a senior NSW Liberal party figure told the Guardian this week.

"How bad is the million dollar question, but it has the potential to set a tone, one way or another."