The NSW Liberal Party is facing a significant crisis after failing to submit candidate nominations for multiple local government elections, leading to a lack of Liberal candidates in a dozen councils, including Wollongong, Shoalhaven, and Northern Beaches. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman condemned the situation as 'the worst act of mismanagement' in the party's history, while state director Richard Shields cited resource issues as the primary cause of the blunder. Deputy Liberal leader Natalie Ward expressed her frustration, stating the oversight is unacceptable for both party members and voters. Amid the turmoil, Lane Cove mayor Scott Bennison announced his departure from the party to run as an independent, criticizing internal factionalism. The party's secretariat has apologized to affected candidates, and calls for Shields' resignation have emerged.