Former News Ltd chief John Hartigan was sounded out about whether his media organisation would support a plan to install Richard Torbay as NSW premier.

Mr Hartigan has confirmed that in late 2009, controversial businessman Greg Jones organised a meeting with him and Mr Torbay, the speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Sounded out: Retired News Ltd chief John Hartigan. Credit:Michele Mossop

The meeting took place over a drink at the East Sydney Hotel to ask what News Ltd's influential chief executive thought of the plan to make Mr Torbay the independent premier.

Mr Torbay said he would want the Liberals' Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian parachuted into his cabinet - although they knew nothing about his plan.