First-term MP Kellie Sloane has officially taken over as leader of the New South Wales Liberals, following Mark Speakman’s announcement that he would step aside.
The shadow health minister secured the leadership unopposed after receiving Mr Speakman’s public endorsement during his resignation press conference on Thursday afternoon.
“I have enormous respect for Mark and thank him for his leadership of our party,” Ms Sloane said late yesterday.
Her only likely rival, shadow Attorney-General Alister Henskens, withdrew from the contest on Thursday evening. Speaking to Nine Radio, he said he was pleased the handover would occur without internal disruption.
“She’s an incredibly talented woman and as John Howard has encouraged our party, we need to get people who’ve not just had a political career but had real world experience into parliament and that’s what Kelly offers,” he said.
Source: ABC News
