Kellie Sloane, the first-term Member for Vaucluse, has been elected unopposed as the new leader of the NSW Liberal Party and Opposition Leader in New South Wales. She succeeds Mark Speakman, who stepped down and publicly endorsed Sloane as his successor.
Shadow Attorney-General Alister Henskens withdrew from the leadership contest, confirming Sloane’s unopposed election. Natalie Ward continues as deputy leader, while Justin Clancy has been appointed Deputy Leader of the Legislative Assembly.
Before entering politics, Sloane worked as a journalist and held leadership roles in business. She was elected to the NSW Parliament in 2023 and served as Shadow Health Minister. Her leadership begins ahead of the 2027 state election, with the NSW Liberals preparing for the next electoral contest.
Sloane’s election is historically significant for the party, marking the first time the NSW Liberals have both a female leader and a female deputy leader.
In her first remarks as leader, she thanked her colleagues for their support and acknowledged the responsibilities of her new role.
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