The Liberal Party's campaign for the upcoming local government elections in New South Wales is in turmoil after missing the candidate nomination deadline.

This oversight has resulted in the party failing to nominate candidates in as many as 12 council areas for elections scheduled on September 14.

Significant council areas affected include Canterbury-Bankstown, Shoalhaven, Wollongong, Lane Cove, Northern Beaches, and Camden.

State director Richard Shields acknowledged the issue, citing limited secretariat resources as a primary reason for the failure to submit all nominations.

The failure to nominate candidates has diverted attention from pressing issues like the cost-of-living crisis and has disappointed party members and supporters.

Party members have expressed outrage over the situation, viewing the local government elections as critical for reclaiming the Liberal heartland.

In light of this blunder, NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman has called for the immediate resignation of Richard Shields.

Opposition leader Speakman has demanded an explanation from Shields regarding the nomination issues.

The nomination deadline closed at noon on Wednesday, but the party's secretariat failed to lodge applications for all candidates.

The party is currently awaiting confirmation from the NSW Electoral Commission regarding the status of nominations before the ballot draw scheduled for Thursday at 2pm.

The electoral commission is processing nominations and will publish the list of candidates once approved, with a complete list expected before the ballot draw.

Approximately 300 Liberal candidates have been nominated for the elections, with strong participation in areas like Parramatta, Strathfield, Blacktown, Inner West, and Bayside.