In a dramatic political shift, first-term MP Kellie Sloane has been elected as the new leader of the NSW Liberal Party, positioning the 52-year-old former television presenter as a potential future premier of New South Wales.
From News Desk to Leadership Role
The leadership transition occurred on Friday, November 21, 2025, following Mark Speakman's resignation amid growing concerns about his performance. Sloane secured the top position just one day after Speakman stepped down, creating a new chapter in NSW opposition politics.
Standing alongside newly appointed Deputy Leader Natalie Ward at a press conference held at NSW Parliament House in Sydney, Sloane expressed both honour and determination. "It's an incredible honour, a huge responsibility and one I don't take lightly," she told journalists, adding that she was "ready to work for NSW."
A Country Girl's Journey to Politics
Sloane's background reveals a remarkable journey from regional South Australia to the heart of NSW politics. Growing up in a family of five, she describes herself as "a country girl at heart", having been raised initially in Port Lincoln and later in the Barrosa Valley.
Her parents set strong examples of community involvement - her father operated a small business while her mother worked at the local school. Alongside her brother Adam and sister Juliet, Sloane developed the values that would later shape her political career.
After graduating from Nuriootpa High School, she embarked on a journalism career that would span decades. Beginning with a cadetship at the ABC in 1993, Sloane built an impressive media portfolio that included:
- Four years at ABC (1993-1997)
- Thirteen and a half years at Nine Network (1997-2011)
- Three years with Seven Network (2011-2014)
Her journalism career provided extraordinary experiences, from conducting her first interview with a premier at just 18 years old to covering major international events like the Bali bombings. She interviewed prime ministers, Hollywood stars, and business leaders, with memorable moments including dancing with John Travolta on his private jet and exploring submarines.
Transition to Public Service
In 2015, Sloane made a significant career shift, becoming CEO of Life Education, a non-government organization focused on providing health and drug education to school children. This role exposed her to what she describes as "the absolute best side of politics" - politicians genuinely working to improve their communities.
This experience inspired her own move into politics, thinking she could "through politics and policy, make an even greater contribution" to society.
Sloane entered parliament as the member for Vaucluse in Sydney's eastern suburbs following the 2023 state election. Her rapid political ascent saw her serve as Shadow Minister for Environment in 2023 before taking on the crucial health portfolio as Shadow Minister for Health in July 2024.
In her personal life, Sloane has been married to Adam Connolly for more than two decades, and the couple shares three sons. She has consistently acknowledged her family's support throughout her career transitions.
Looking forward, Sloane aims to inspire more women to enter politics and faces the challenge of leading her party to the next state election scheduled for March 2027. History presents a formidable obstacle - no first-term opposition leader has won a state or federal election in NSW since the 1930s.
As the new Liberal leader prepares for the political battles ahead, her unique background combining journalism, community leadership, and now political experience positions her as one of the most interesting figures in contemporary Australian state politics.
