At a recent meeting of the Liberal Party’s eastern suburbs branch in Sydney, long-serving local party figure Kevin Berry was elected president, succeeding former Wentworth member-turned-independent Peter King. While Berry’s appointment drew little surprise, attention was drawn to runner-up Alexander Andruska, a Woollahra councillor representing the affluent Paddington ward since late 2024.

Andruska, who describes himself as a “private accountant” on professional networks, has a background that includes nearly a decade in financial roles, notably as chief financial officer for Jon Adgemis’ Public Hospitality Group. Adgemis, a former KPMG partner, was declared bankrupt last year with debts surpassing $1.8 billion. Bankruptcy trustees have raised concerns about a 2016 Mercedes GLA 180 that Adgemis transferred to Andruska in August 2024, reportedly as reimbursement for expenses. The vehicle’s declared sale price of nearly $50,000 was significantly higher than market estimates ranging between $11,000 and $16,000, prompting ongoing investigations.

Amid these unresolved financial issues, Andruska recently began part-time work in the electorate office of NSW Senator Andrew Bragg. Speaking about his role, Andruska described it as varied and responsive to the senator’s needs, adding he had been in the position for approximately five to six weeks. Regarding Adgemis, Andruska stated that he no longer communicates with his former employer, who reportedly owes him money from a loan extended around a decade ago.

Senator Bragg characterized Andruska as a “good and decent guy” and expressed his satisfaction in having him on the team. Bragg, known for outspoken criticism of his own Liberal Party, did not retract comments made at the Wentworth AGM the previous week, where he labeled the party’s economic policy over recent decades as “crap.” He urged a renewal of economic strategy from the party to challenge Labor’s budget management.

Andruska’s nomination for the presidency received backing from prominent local figures, including Woollahra Mayor Sarah Dixon and former Waverley Mayor Sally Betts. Betts has connections within the region’s political and business networks, notably friendship with Alexander Schuman, chief executive of Carla Zampatti and sibling to Wentworth MP Allegra Spender.

The developments in the eastern suburbs Liberal branch appear unlikely to diminish the strength of “Teal” independents in the area, who have maintained considerable electoral support in what were once considered safe Liberal seats. The party's internal changes, alongside ongoing financial inquiries involving figures linked to local politics, underscore the complex dynamics influencing the region's political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.