Speakman said it was now "clear" that his Liberal colleagues want him to step down and for a new leader to take on the "extraordinary difficult" job.
NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has sensationally quit after weeks of intense speculation about his position.
Speakman said it was now "clear" his Liberal colleagues wanted him to step down and for a new leader to take on the "extraordinarily difficult" job.
"It's also an extraordinary privilege. Very few people in NSW ever get to be the leader of a major party, and it has been an enormous privilege for me to have that leadership," Speakman told media this afternoon.
READ MORE: Highly infectious, deadly disease 'likely circulating' in Aussie capital
He acknowledged it was only a few hours ago he was adamant his job was safe, having declared "reports of my death have been grossly exaggerated" on radio this morning before resigning this afternoon.
"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.
READ MORE: 'AI bubble' fears eased as world's most valuable company clears hurdle
Rumours of a spill 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.
But his counter-attack ended prematurely when Speakman pulled the pin on an on-air interview with 9News this afternoon.
READ MORE: 'Rapidly intensifying': Cyclone turns towards land in dramatic shift
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 down by senior Liberal members as they arrived for parliament today in what is the final sitting week of the year.
NSW Liberal Party management committee chairman Nick Greiner said Speakman had shown himself to be a great servant of the party and praised him for his "tireless service".
"Mark took on the leadership following the 2023 election and has led the Party with integrity during a challenging period," Greiner said.
"His resignation was a gracious and humble act of someone who always put the people of this state first, ahead of any political or personal considerations."
Kellie Sloane tipped to replace Speakman
Shadow health spokesperson Kellie 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.
"Kellie 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 Kellie 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.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Qantas and Virgin Australia to ban use of power banks on flights
Prominent neo-Nazi charged over alleged online harassment of federal MP
Slain police officer's father shares grief as Wieambilla inquest ends
Victorian MP details sexual harassment inside parliament
SA names joint Senior Australians of the Year after awards night debacle
'Obscene': SA premier hits out after missing out on major conference
Woman hospitalised after being struck by wrench thrown in brawl in Sydney's east
Liz and Julie didn't plan on giving birth in their late 40s. They say it made them better mums
When Adam applied for an entry-level job, he found himself up against 6500 others
Brief reprieve before Cyclone Fina strengthens, heads towards NT coast
Major discovery proves gigantic sharks roamed Australia's coastlines
Close-up pictures show interstellar comet zipping past Mars
Highly infectious, deadly disease 'likely circulating' in Sydney
Aussies are being forced to accept jobs with no clue what they'll be paid
One of Australia's biggest customers ditches our biggest export
'Asbestos of the 21st century': Calls to ban chemical Aussies are exposed to every day
Warning entire industry critical for Australian economy on the brink of collapse
