Kellie Sloane frontrunner to lead party after Mark Speakman steps down
Kellie Sloane, a former television journalist and chief executive, confirmed on Thursday evening that she would run for the leadership and was expected to be elected unopposed this morning.
Sloane, who entered the parliament in the 2023 elections, became the opposition’s health spokesman. He is a frequent presence at opposition press conferences, thanks to his shadow health portfolio, as he pressures the government on illegal tobacco, state hospitals and aged care.
Member for Vaucluse Kellie Sloane.Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong
Recently Sloane, 52, became the target of threats from neo-Nazis after speaking out against their rally outside parliament and has become an outspoken defender of the Jewish community in the eastern suburbs, describing the community as “under siege”.
She is the woman the Liberals hope can pull the party out of collapse. In NSW, the Coalition’s primary vote is hovering around 28 per cent.
Read more about Sloane’s path to politics in this issue from state politics editor Alexandra Smith.
