At a press conference alongside Premier Mike Baird on the Central Coast yesterday, Mr Sharpe was asked "how long the government would be leasing the electricity networks".

Unable to answer the question, Mr Sharpe glanced at the reporter then looked quickly to Mr Baird, who wasted no time in ushering in Liberal member for Gosford Chris Holstein, suggesting he talk about the "scare campaign" instead.

Also skirting the question, Mr Holstein went on to discuss "the scare campaign" that "has come out in the last couple of days".

Under the Coalition's privatisation plan, the electricity networks will be leased for 99 years: 50.4 per cent of the state's interest in electricity distributors Ausgrid and Endeavour, and 100 per cent of the high-voltage transmission business Transgrid.

The Premier was on the Central Coast yesterday to commit to spending on  roads, local jobs and surf lifesaving.

"We have ensured that we have the best candidates on the ground and that is what you have in out Central Coast team," Mr Baird said.

It is unfortunate timing for the gaffe, amid claims the NSW Liberals have banned candidates for the March 28 election from attending public forums.

The NSW Liberals have been forced to deny the claims, after the emergence of an email from a campaign manager, which said that a Liberal candidate could not attend a candidate forum because it was "head office's policy."

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