The NSW Liberal party is grappling with internal leadership pressure as Opposition Leader Mark Speakman faces a potential challenge from Kellie Sloane and Alistair Henskens, with a leadership spill being discussed in party room meetings.

Speakman’s position appears unstable after late-night talks with powerbrokers, and he has avoided public appearances this week while relying on others to attend events, signaling a weakened stance.

Inside the standoff, Sloane and Henskens are positioning to lead, with internal polling showing Sloane ahead in votes and Henskens attracting right-leaning colleagues, raising questions about who could prevail if a spill occurs.

Kellie Sloane, a high-profile media-friendly member elected in 2023 for Vaucluse, is known for her media presence but insiders note her relative inexperience in broader politics as a potential drawback.

Labor insiders reportedly think Minns would prefer facing Henskens rather than Sloane, shaping strategic calculations about who would be easier to defeat at the next election.

The leadership crisis has seen Speakman under scrutiny, with the possibility of a spill and a potential reshuffle looming if he is deposed.

Sloane is preparing staff and policy for a possible post-Speakman leadership era and could become leader if a vacancy arises, though she is not actively pursuing a challenge.

Speakman’s political standing is tempered by poor polling and questions over his critique of the Minns government, even as his preferred premier rating shows a small uptick.

Alistair Henskens, a Wahroonga MP and former senior counsel, leads from the Right and is viewed as a combative potential challenger who could disrupt the government if he takes the helm.

Powerbrokers reportedly back Sloane and want to avoid embarrassment for Speakman, though some say the leadership fight may already be effectively finished.

Key questions include whether Henskens’ leadership would mirror Speakman’s approach, his potential to threaten the government, and how Sloane’s affluent background and shorter political tenure could influence a 2027 election bid.

Historical tensions involving Henskens, including past use of parliamentary privilege and leaks attributed to internal Liberal rifts, add context to the current leadership turmoil.