NSW Liberal leadership: Mark Speakman eyes deals to firm up position before vote

NSW Liberal MP and opposition leader aspirant Mark Speakman is seen by many within the party as a ‘safe pair of hands’. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

Mark Speakman is brokering deals across the political spectrum to promise a smooth transition of power ahead of Friday’s New South Wales Liberal leadership vote as the contest to be upper house leader heats up.

The state party’s most senior woman, Natalie Ward, will put her name forward to lead the Liberals in the upper house against likely challenger, Damien Tudehope.