Kellie Sloane faces a treacherous road ahead as NSW Liberal leader – and has a heavy burden on her shoulders

‘Kellie Sloane’s first challenge is to distinguish the NSW Liberal brand from that of her Canberra colleagues.’ Photograph: Bianca De Marchi/AAP

It’s easy to see the sudden rush to female leaders of Liberal parties around Australia as a desperation strategy – a kind of “let’s try this, at least we will look different”.

Kellie Sloane’s stewardship of the Liberals in New South Wales will need to be much more than better presentation – because there is much more at stake.