In a dramatic turn of events, Mark Speakman, the leader of the New South Wales Opposition, has resigned following weeks of mounting speculation regarding his leadership role. This surprising announcement comes amid growing pressure from within his party.

Speakman revealed that it had become “clear” that his fellow Liberal Party members desired a change in leadership, suggesting they believe a new leader is needed to tackle the “extraordinarily difficult” responsibilities that come with the position.

“Being the leader of a major party in New South Wales is not only a significant challenge but also an incredible honor,” Speakman shared with the media earlier today. “Few individuals have the opportunity to hold such a role, and it has been a tremendous privilege for me.”

Ironically, just hours before his resignation, Speakman remained confident in his position. He had dismissed rumors about his departure during a radio interview, humorously claiming that “reports of my death have been grossly exaggerated.”

However, even Speakman admitted that in the world of politics, circumstances can change rapidly, noting that “a day is a long time in politics.”

“No alternative candidate had come forward to tell me they wanted to be the leader. No colleague had said to me they thought it would be better if I resigned,” he told media in Sydney.

“But as I said, a day or even half a day or a few hours is a long time in politics.

“By this afternoon, it was clear that there was at least one person who had declared to me that she wished to be the leader of the Liberal Party, and a number of colleagues had indicated to me their preference that we have renewal and regeneration, and a new leader.”

Speakman cancelled a slew of media interviews this afternoon as speculation mounted he could be ousted in a spill, just days after his Victorian counterpart Brad Battin also lost his top job.

Rumours of a spill have haunted Speakman over the past week and the opposition leader broke his silence in back-to-back radio interviews and an appearance on Sky News.

Speakman earlier firmly denied being “tapped on the shoulder” while speaking to Ben Fordham on 2GB.

“Reports of my death are grossly exaggerated, and I’m here to fight,” he said.

But his counter-attack ended prematurely when Speakman pulled the pin on an on-air interview with 9News this afternoon.

9News political reporter Liz Daniels said Speakman had been “holed up in his office” and cancelled his media interviews because he wanted to meet with colleagues this afternoon.

“His colleagues, their major criticism of Speakman is that he’s been unable to land a blow on Chris Minns, a premier who has had a largely charmed political run,” Daniels said.

The gauntlet was thrown by senior Liberal members as they arrived for parliament today in what is the final sitting week of the year.

Kelly Sloane tipped to replace Speakman

Shadow health spokesperson Kelly Sloane has emerged as the top contender for Speakman’s replacement.

A party room meeting is expected to take place to decide on the new Liberal leader.

Speakman endorsed Sloane for the job after revealing she told him she wanted to take over as leader.

He added that he “reluctantly agreed” Sloane should be the next NSW Liberal leader. during this conversation.

“Kelly Sloane will be a fantastic leader if selected by the parliamentary Liberal Party,” Speakman said.

“She is someone of enormous talent. She is not only a great communicator, she has extensive experience as a businesswoman.

“She is someone I hope will lead the Liberal Party to the next election. She will have my full support. She will have my endorsement.”

Sloane also has the support of other senior Liberal MPs.

“If Kelly Sloane’s got the numbers, she’s got to make a move,” Wendy Tuckerman said earlier today.

NSW Shadow Attorney-General Alister Henskens has also been named as a possible frontrunner.