NSW election: Mark Speakman firms as favourite to become Liberal leader

Departing NSW attorney-general Mark Speakman is firming as the favourite to claim the Liberal leadership, after one of his rivals pulled out of the race.

Liberal MP Mark Speakman. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Simon Bullard.

Departing attorney-general Mark Speakman is firming as favourite to claim the Liberal leadership, after one of his rivals pulled out of the race.

As environment minister James Griffin ruled himself out of contention a day after he flagged the prospect of running, senior Liberal sources said moderate support was behind Cronulla MP Mr Speakman and should be enough to get him over the line.

In a statement, he flagged an imminent announcement on his leadership tilt.

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

Less than a day after Mr Griffin flagged his interest, saying he would speak to his colleagues before making a decision, the Manly MP announced he would not enter the contest.

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

Conservative figurehead Anthony Roberts revealed in The Australian on Monday he intended to run for the leadership, foreshadowing a “root-and-branch” reform of the party.

“There needs to be a full root-and-branch reform of the party. It’s not like this election crept up on us. The fact we were preselecting candidates weeks out from the election is an indictment on us. Captain’s picks should not be happening. It’s the members’ party.”

Former trade minister Alister Henskens is understood to be the third likely contestant but, with the outcome of several seats still undecided, he has yet to speak to colleagues or canvass support.

Departing treasurer and deputy Liberal leader Matt Kean ruled himself out on Sunday, saying he was looking forward to spending more time with his family. The decision comes amid rampant speculation the 41-year-old will quit Macquarie Street for Canberra.

Liberal sources have said Mr Kean has previously expressed a desire to make the jump to federal politics, with manager of opposition business Paul Fletcher’s Bradfield or teal-held North Sydney touted as the most likely seats the moderate powerbroker could land.

With pre-polls and postal votes beginning to be counted on Tuesday, the fate of several Liberal MPs began to appear more secure, with conservative Tim James claiming victory over independent Larissa Penn in Willoughby.