Defiant Lib leader Mark Speakman stares down MPs amid leadership speculation

Liberal leader Mark Speakman has shrugged off criticism of his leadership and declared he will be leading the party to the next state election.

A defiant Liberal leader Mark Speakman has stared down his MPs amid talk of a possible leadership challenge, declaring he had no time for “sideshows” while stating he will lead the party to the next election.

In his most candid comments to date, the Liberal leader said he will not be distracted by “idle gossip” and will remain focused on pointing out the failures of the Minns government by leading with “clarity and conviction”.

Speaking exclusively to The Saturday Telegraph, Mr Speakman also acknowledged there were comparisons being made between his leadership approach and that of federal Liberal leader Peter Dutton, but declared their “different styles” were “a strength, not a weakness”.

The comments follow persistent chatter among the ranks of NSW Liberal Party MPs of a leadership challenge, with some members concerned the party was not cutting through on its attempts to hold the Minns government to account.

They also follow a brutal assessment of Mr Speakman by 2GB host Ben Fordham on Friday, who declared NSW voters wanted a “strong leader who doesn’t pull their punches”, while describing the Liberal leader as “a really nice guy” but “boring”, “soft” and “woke”.

Liberal leader Mark Speakman is standing firm in his conviction that he will lead the party to the next state election. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Asked about the ongoing leadership talk, Mr Speakman said he would not let it distract him.

“I’m here to lead with clarity and conviction, pointing out Labor’s failures, without the distraction of idle gossip,” he said. “My unwavering focus is on holding the Minns Labor government to account.”

Mark Speakman sat down for a candid chat with The Telegraph. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

Mr Speakman said he believed people in NSW were worse off after “19 months of this government”, whether it was the cost of living, housing affordability, hospital waiting times, or the infrastructure pipeline — “to name a few.”

Asked whether he would be leading the party to the next state election, Mr Speakman replied: “Yes”.

The prospective candidates – some of whom are being put forward by others and none of whom has the numbers – include shadow attorney general Alister Henskens, Opposition energy and environment spokesman James Griffin, deputy Liberal leader Natalie Ward, Opposition health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane and Lane Cove MP Anthony Roberts.

Appearing on Mr Fordham’s program on Friday, Mr Henskens dodged the question of whether Mr Speakman would be leader at the next election, instead saying the party had to focus on “what is important to the people of NSW, not ourselves.”

Mark Speakman (left) and Peter Dutton (right) at Jewish community vigil in Sydney last month. Picture: Monique Harmer

Asked about the discontent, Mr Speakman said those that did have an issue should come forward, declaring there was no room for “speculation or sideshows”.

“My door’s always open to my team – transparency and unity are priorities in how I lead,” he said.

“But let me be clear, there’s no room for speculation or sideshows.

“We’re here to do the work, not feed the gossip.”

Acknowledging the comparisons by media and some MPs between himself and Mr Dutton, Mr Speakman said he did not view the different styles as a weakness.

“Look, Peter and I have different styles, sure – but that’s a strength, not a weakness, for each of us to be authentic,” he said.

“What’s consistent is our commitment to calling out Labor governments on their failures.

“Our styles might differ, but our goals are rock solid.”

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Originally published as Defiant Lib leader Mark Speakman stares down MPs amid leadership speculation