UPDATE: Kellie Sloane has been confirmed as the new leader of the NSW Liberal Party following the resignation of Mark Speakman, who acknowledged the party’s struggle to regain ground before the 2027 state election. Sloane, a first-term MP and former TV news anchor, is now tasked with revitalizing a party facing severe electoral challenges.
This urgent leadership change comes after Speakman conceded the “statistical unlikelihood” of a first-term opposition winning an election in New South Wales, a feat not achieved since the 1930s. The Liberal Party’s position has deteriorated significantly, with recent polls, including one by DemosAU, showing the Labor Party leading by a staggering 59-41 margin on a two-party preferred basis.
As of Thursday evening, Sloane was the only confirmed candidate for leadership, while speculation on former minister Alister Henskens nominating has been quelled after reports indicated he would not enter the race. The leadership decision will be finalized in a partyroom meeting scheduled for Friday, intensifying the urgency surrounding this transition.
Election analyst Ben Raue expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the leadership change, stating, “I’m just skeptical a leadership change will change things… unless that is the specific reason why you’re unpopular, it’s not going to change anything.” This sentiment underscores the complexity of the challenges facing the party, which include internal conflicts and perceptions of its brand.
“We’re looking at 58 and 59 percent, that’s a pretty big lead now,” Raue noted, emphasizing the dire position of the coalition as they contend with broader political issues.
Mr. Speakman lamented the “disarray” within the federal coalition, a situation exacerbated by a backtrack on their commitment to a net-zero emissions policy. While the NSW Liberals have pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050, their federal counterparts have faced backlash for wavering on this critical issue.
Sloane’s leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the party. Her ability to connect with voters and present a strong opposition to Labor is seen as vital. “She is someone who is extremely capable of taking that fight up to Labor,” Speakman remarked, highlighting her impressive performance since being elected in 2023.
As the party faces an uphill battle ahead, all eyes will be on Sloane to see if she can indeed turn the tide for the beleaguered Liberal brand. The decision made at Friday’s meeting could set the course for the party’s future and its approach to the upcoming election.
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
