Emails reveal Stuart Ayres involved in recruiting for New York trade role awarded to John Barilaro

Emails from Investment NSW chief Amy Brown show deputy Liberal leader Stuart Ayres was involved in recruiting for the New York trade role given to John Barilaro. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

Deputy NSW Liberal party leader, Stuart Ayres, asked Investment NSW chief executive, Amy Brown, to add a name to the shortlist of candidates for a lucrative New York trade commissioner job that ultimately went to John Barilaro.

Emails obtained through a parliamentary order on Thursday reveal that in February this year, Brown, the public servant ultimately responsible for appointing Barilaro, met with Ayres to discuss candidates for the job.