A conservative MP has thrown her hat into the ring in a bid to become the deputy leader of the NSW Liberals after party's state election defeat.
Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies, who held several portfolios in the Berejiklian government, intends to run for the position.
"I can offer the leadership and representation that the people of western Sydney and NSW more broadly demand," she said on Tuesday.
If successful, Ms Davies would replace former treasurer and moderate Matt Kean, who will not contest a leadership position.
She said the election result sent a clear message the Liberals needed to stand up for families and businesses and govern with compassion.
"Western Sydney is the engine room of the NSW economy and it is critical the Liberal Party has a spokesperson that can truly champion its people and their aspirations."
Last year, Ms Davies caught COVID-19 after speaking at a rally against vaccine mandates outside parliament, saying restrictions kept teachers, nurses and police officers out of work.
After the speech, then-opposition leader Chris Minns said Ms Davies' role as a parliamentary secretary was no longer tenable.
At least three MPs are jostling for the Liberal leadership.
None of the prospective candidates have declared their interest but Alister Henskens, Anthony Roberts and Mark Speakman are being put forward.
No contender has yet firmed as a favourite and a vote cannot take place until election results are finalised.
Postal and absentee votes, along with those from people who enrolled on election day, are still being counted.
Liberal MPs are still in the hunt in five electorates, including Terrigal, Ryde, Miranda, Holsworthy and Goulburn.
The party lost at least five Sydney seats to Labor including Camden, East Hills, Parramatta, Penrith and Riverstone.
Party powerbroker Michael Photios said the Liberals had been left in "pretty poor shape" but a return to government in four years was possible.
"Every time there's a change of leadership federally, there's blood all over the floor," he said.
"We'll land with 30 seats, a party room of 50, with 42 per cent women - we got there without a quota, and we're ready for the next election."
