BREAKING: Mark Speakman has officially resigned as leader of the NSW Liberal Party, a significant political shift confirmed just hours after he vowed to remain in leadership until the next election in March 2027. The announcement came at approximately 5 PM local time following urgent discussions with party powerbrokers.
In a dramatic turn of events, Speakman expressed his frustrations during a morning media blitz, stating he was committed to leading the party. However, by afternoon, he acknowledged a change in sentiment among colleagues, revealing, “A day is a long time in politics. Half a day is a long time in politics.” He cited pressure from party members advocating for renewal and a fresh leadership approach.
The resignation paves the way for Kellie Sloane, the first-term MP for Vaucluse, to potentially take over as party leader. Speakman publicly endorsed Sloane, urging party members to support her in the leadership ballot expected to occur on Friday. Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens is also anticipated to contest the leadership.
In his farewell remarks, Speakman highlighted the challenges faced by the party, stating it is at a crucial crossroads. “People are asking, ‘where are we going? What do we stand for? Will we survive?’” he added, emphasizing the need for the party to adapt to changing demographics, particularly with Gen Z and millennials outnumbering older generations.
The resignation follows a troubling decline in party popularity after the May federal election, which Speakman attributed to “brand damage.” He noted that the party was once competitive in the polls but has since seen a downturn. “I had almost unanimous support in the Liberal Party,” he said. “Things have changed since the May election.”
Speakman’s resignation comes in the wake of a sudden leadership shakeup within the party, including the recent resignation of Nationals leader Dugald Saunders, replaced by MP Gurmesh Singh. The political landscape in New South Wales is evolving rapidly, with implications for upcoming elections.
As the party prepares for the leadership vote, Speakman remains hopeful for a unified direction under new leadership. “I am very confident in the leadership Kellie will bring,” he stated.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, with crucial implications for the future of the NSW Liberal Party and its direction ahead of the next election.
