Mark Speakman VIDEO: Will Kellie Sloane Lead NSW Liberals After Mark's Resignation?

In one of the biggest NSW political stories of November 2025, the New South Wales Liberal Party finds itself at a turning point: Mark Speakman resigns as opposition leader. All eyes are now on Kellie Sloane, the Vaucluse MP, who is widely tipped to become the next leader of the NSW Liberals.This unexpected movement was as a result of immense pressure from the party, meeting cancellations, and public speaking engagements being replaced with moves behind closed doors to meetings with Speakman.

Why Did Mark Speakman Resign as NSW Liberal Leader?

Mark Speakman resigning as the leader of the NSW Liberals was a clear result of the pressure coming from within his party. Mark Speakman, who has previously stated that he would need to be, “blasted out,” of his role, retracted that statement as he began to have a string of meetings with his party. Those meetings included Kellie Sloane, who was seen leaving Speakman’s office just before the resignations turned into an announcement. The media completely blocked out of the situation, and domination from the media began elsewhere with a change of assumptions being made. Mark Speakman, when referring to himself as a leader, stated, “Reports of my death are grossly exaggerated and I am here to fight,” however, he was all out of support and a leadership ballot was completely unavoidable. See what Mark Speakman said:

Who Is Kellie Sloane? NSW's Potential New Opposition Leader

Born in 1973, Kellie Sloane is one of the youngest up-and-coming stars in the NSW political scene. After working in public service as the CEO of Life Education NSW, Kellie worked as a journalist and television presenter for ABC and Nine Network. Then, in 2023, she was elected as the Liberal Member for Vaucluse and was appointed a Shadow Minister for Health. Sloane’s supporters say NSW is in desperate need of a candidate with Sloane’s work ethic and hands-on community involvement. With a strong family background and three boys who keep her busy, she is one of the more likely candidates who will be able to bring the Liberals together before the 2026 election.

What Led to the NSW Liberal Party Crisis?

The NSW Liberal Party has been in inner turmoil for months, after suffering internal conflicts, and weak poll results, with state elections looming in less than 18 months. Leadership disputes have been made public. Just last week the opposition in Victoria changed their leader, paving the way for an NSW leadership shift. Next in line to resign is Speakman, given the recent drama in the Nationals, with Gurmesh Singh, who has just made the leap to leader after sudden changements. Divisions and the need for a fresh vision are always the signs a new leader is about to be installed. Henskens, to be joined by the former minister Alister as to this position, will have the oldest credibility, Sloane, as the most challenging opponent.

What Are Kellie Sloane’s Leadership Priorities?

If Sloane is elected as leader, health, public safety, and regaining confidence in the Liberal party brand will be her priorities. Sloane is an advocate for and against the protection of the eastern suburb of Vaucluse, which she argues is to ease the access of families to essential services. Sloane promotes and defends the party's position on net zero by 2050, aimed at quick opposition to the Federal government's policies, which have negatively impacted the economy of New South Wales. As the party heads to the elections, her leadership will bring assurance and fairness.

What’s Next for the NSW Liberal Party?

Given that a leadership vote is imminent, Kellie Sloane is the odds-on favorite to be the party’s representative for the election in 2026. Party officials are emphasizing the need for rapid action; NSW requires a cohesive opposition that can effectively target Chris Minns, the Premier, and instill confidence in the electorate. The results will determine the direction of NSW politics for years to come.