Premier Mike Baird has staked his political future on electricity privatisation, saying there’s “no plan B” to pay for his ambitious roads, rail and hospitals plan.

Mr Baird made the comments on Friday during the NSW election campaign’s first debate with his Labor rival, Luke Foley.

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When asked what would happen to his $20 billion centrepiece infrastructure policy if his privatisation plan became stalled in the state’s upper house, Mr Baird said: “Well, there’s no plan B.”

He suggested the only way to combat congestion on NSW roads and for new rail networks to be built was through his plan to lease 49 per cent of electricity assets.

“I’m not going to kick it down the road,” he added.
”I think the state and the electorate have had enough … of the populist politics they’ve seen.

“They want someone to outline in detail how they’re going to make a difference to their daily lives.”