Kellie Sloane is set to take the reins of the NSW Liberal Party as a second state party leader departs their post in three days.

After days of swirling speculation, Mark Speakman announced his resignation as opposition leader and endorsed the first-term Vaucluse MP to replace him.

Former minister Alister Henskens is also gunning for the position, which will be determined at a party room meeting on Friday.

Mr Speakman dug in on Thursday morning and refused to stand down, before his friend and moderate factional colleague Ms Sloane met with him and declared her intentions to lead.

"She believed the interests of the party would be best served if she took the reins, and I have reluctantly agreed," he told reporters.

"A number of colleagues had indicated to me their preference that we have

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