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NSW Liberals Enter Leadership Standoff as Speakman’s Hold Weakens

Powerbrokers now believe Kellie Sloane has the votes to replace him.

Overview

  • Senior Liberals held urgent late-night talks with Mark Speakman, and multiple MPs told colleagues his leadership looked finished.
  • Sources report Kellie Sloane has the numbers to win a spill, with plans canvassed for an extraordinary party-room meeting as early as Friday or Monday under party rules.
  • Wahroonga MP Alister Henskens has been canvassing support, but a stalemate persists because Sloane wants a handover and Henskens will only move with certain victory.
  • Speakman has kept a low public profile, skipping media appearances and asking Sloane to represent him at John Laws’ state funeral.
  • Internal tallies are contested, with one anonymous count putting Sloane ahead and an X post showing a tie dismissed as inaccurate, as poor polling and a likely shadow reshuffle add pressure.