Kellie Sloane speaks after Mark Speakman resigns

NSW Premier Chris Minns welcomed the challenge from a new opposition leader and told reporters he was “up for it”.

Minns was asked whether Sloane would be a tougher opponent than his predecessor, Mark Speakman, and the prime minister responded diplomatically:

“This is going to be a challenge for us, I can say that, and I think we’re ready for it. We have a really united, energetic, enthusiastic team that is proud of our achievements, but really focused on the challenges ahead.”

“Kellie Sloane is a really lovely person and I wish her the best for this job. Obviously I’m in competition with her but it’s a real honor to lead a political party. So my hat’s off to her, it’s an achievement for her.”

Minns took the opportunity to pay tribute to Speakman, whom he described as “the gentleman of politics in Australia” and “a very good human being”.

“I thought he’d taught himself a lot of lessons in the last 24 hours. Although it’s disappointing for him, I think the public’s view of Mark has increased rather than decreased in the last 24 hours. So I wish him the best for the future. He’s a very good person.”