Cleared of wrongdoing, the political fate of former NSW minister Stuart Ayres remains uncertain

A report has cleared the former deputy Liberal leader, Stuart Ayres, of acting improperly in relation to John Barilaro’s appointment to a trade position in New York. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

For Stuart Ayres, the release on Monday of a report clearing him of breaching the New South Wales ministerial code of conduct was vindication.

Bruce McClintock SC was unequivocal in finding the former deputy Liberal leader and trade minister had not acted improperly in John Barilaro’s appointment to a lucrative New York trade job.