Mark Speakman hints at run for Liberal Party leadership after Dominic Perrottet resigns

Insiders have dubbed Dominic Perrottet’s former job as the role “no one wants” as the NSW Liberal Party scrambles for its next leader.

As the NSW Liberal Party scrambles for its next leader, insiders and experts have dubbed it the job “no one wants”.

The vacancy comes after Dominic Perrottet resigned on Saturday night amid a Coalition election bloodbath.

Putting it bluntly, one Liberal Party insider simply said: “It’s not a good time to be opposition leader right now.

“You don’t want to be the first opposition leader of a defeated party right after a landslide victory.

“Usually it’s the third or fourth opposition leader in opposition that becomes premier.”

RedBridge Strategy and Campaigns director Kos Samaras said it would “be tough” for whoever takes over.

“The chances of winning government from opposition in one term in NSW are extremely remote,” he told NCA NewsWire.

“The gig is not going to be occupied by anyone who is doing anything but a service to their team.”

Former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet resigned in a concession speech to Liberal loyalists. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Damian Shaw

Two days after Saturday night’s blistering defeat, notable frontrunners including the outgoing treasurer Matt Kean and environment minister James Griffin have already pulled out of the race.

By Monday afternoon, former NSW attorney-general Mark Speakman gave the strongest indication of making a run for the job.

“I’m looking forward to discussions with my colleagues to ensure that we have a strong, refreshed and energised team ready to hold the government accountable in the interests of the people of NSW,” Mr Speakman said in a statement to media on Monday.

“I’ll have more to say shortly.”

Ku-ring-gai MP Alister Henskens, and Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts have also been touted by party insiders as potential candidates.

Mark Speakman said he’d have ‘more to say shortly’. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Simon Bullard.

Not only will the Coalition need to wait until 2027 for the next election, the last state government to only last one term was in 1932 during the Great Depression.

Chris Minns’ landslide win on Saturday was only the third time NSW Labor had won government from opposition since World War II.

It’s a move the Coalition has also only replicated three times. The most recent was in 2011 after Liberal leader Barry O’Farrell defeated Kristina Keneally in a landslide victory similar to Saturday’s.

Matt Kean, James Griffin pulls out

Believed to be the natural contender for the Liberal Party leadership, Mr Kean was the first to officially pull out of the race on Sunday afternoon.

“I have a young family and I would love to spend a little more time with them,” he said.

“The election result will enable me to do that … while also continuing to serve my wonderful Hornsby constituents and the Liberal Party.

“I want to thank Dominic Perrottet for his service to the people of NSW. I will continue to work hard for Hornsby everyday.”

Another contender, Manly MP James Griffin also ruled his name out of the running on Monday, The Daily Telegraph reported.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Manly, and I thank them for their support with the result on Saturday,” he said.

“The NSW Liberal leadership will (be) determined by the party room and I’ll be enthusiastically supporting whoever that may be.”

Outgoing sport minister Alister Henskens has also been touted as a potential candidate for the Liberal Party leadership. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Simon Bullard.

In his concession speech to party faithfuls on Saturday night, Mr Perrottet said it was time for the Liberal Party to have a “fresh start”.

“As leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party, I take full responsibility for the loss this evening,” he said.

“And as a result, I will be standing down as leader. It is very clear we need a fresh start.”