The Scott Morrison factor: could a federal seat shape the race for the NSW Liberal leadership?

NSW Liberal MP Mark Speakman is regarded as a top leadership candidate from the dominant moderate faction, but he is yet to declare his candidacy. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

It’s the political leadership job no one’s in a hurry to campaign for.

Twelve days on from the New South Wales election and the role of opposition leader remains vacant, with contenders guarded on their interest.