NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman to quit hours after claiming rumours of his political death were 'grossly exaggerated'

NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman is expected to quit imminently after mysteriously dropping out of a slew of media appearances.

Speakman sensationally cancelled his planned media blitz as speculation mounted he could be ousted in a spill just days after his Victorian counterpart Brad Battin also lost the top job.

The opposition leader is set to stand down just a few hours after claiming reports of his departure were "grossly exaggerated".

Speakman is expected to announce his resignation in a 5pm press conference today.

Rumours of a spill have haunted Speakman over the past week and the opposition leader broke his silence in back-to-back radio interviews and an appearance on Sky News .

Speakman earlier firmly denied being "tapped on the shoulder" while speaking to Ben Fordha