It’s been called one of the worst mishaps in NSW Liberal Party history. Because, last week, 140 Liberal politicians learned that they will miss out on the chance to fight for their party in upcoming council elections. All because of an administrative error.

It’s a debacle that could tarnish the reputation of the party as a whole. And even marr Peter Dutton’s bid to become Prime Minister, at the next federal election, which is due within months.

Today, state political editor Alexandra Smith, and national affairs editor, James Massola, on what local councillors actually do. And what impact this might have on our right to fair and democratic elections.