Breaking: Rachel Stephen-Smith elected ACT's new deputy chief minister

Rachel Stephen-Smith has been named the Australian Capital Territory's new deputy chief minister, stepping into the role following Yvette Berry's resignation from cabinet last week. Berry stepped down after the Integrity Commission released findings of "serious corrupt conduct" against two senior public servants within her education portfolio.

The commission determined that the former ACT Education Directorate director-general Katy Haire and Berry's then-chief of staff Joshua Ceramidas had "dishonestly provided a back door" for the strategic interests of the CFMEU in a multi-million-dollar contract for the revamp of Campbell Primary School. Importantly, no findings were made against Ms Berry herself.

Ms Berry had held the position of ACT's second-in-charge for nearly a decade, making her the longest-serving deputy chief in the territory's history. She was also considered a potential future leader of ACT Labor. In the wake of this significant political shift, Ms Stephen-Smith and Treasurer Chris Steel are now seen as the two leading contenders to eventually lead the party.