Henskens has been contacted for comment.
Speakman’s resignation ends weeks of speculation over this leadership. Henskens had been canvassing MPs for their support for weeks, while Sloane had refused to challenge for the job.
Wahroonga MP Alister Henskens.Credit: Rhett Wyman
Moderate MPs Chris Rath and James Wallace, as well as centre-right MP Scott Farlow, were seen filing into Speakman’s office on Wednesday after the NSW Press Gallery’s annual event. It sparked speculation that the MPs had urged Speakman to fall on his sword.
However, Speakman was defiant on Thursday, insisting that “reports of my death are grossly exaggerated, and I’m here to fight.”
“The honourable thing for anyone to do is, if they don’t have confidence in me, and they believe they can do a better job, they should come and knock on my door and tell me,” he told 2GB.
It became clear that Speakman had a change of heart after question time on Thursday when a series of media interviews, including with the Herald, were abruptly cancelled.
A delegation tasked with convincing Speakman to resign was dispatched about 1pm but Speakman was unwilling to meet them, citing media engagements, said two party sources.
Two Liberal sources said Speakman’s office had been overcome by a “bunker mentality” as MPs tried to convince the Liberal leader to resign, with staff locking the doors to his office.
But senior Liberals considered his departure a foregone conclusion.“It’s over. It’s done,” an MP said.
A senior Right MP confirmed Henskens pitched his leadership to conservative MPs last week. Henskens told the room he believed the Liberals could do better, and what he would do if given the leadership.
Get the day’s breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter.
