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NSW Labor leader tipped to stand down

Earlier in the week, Jodi McKay said she would not be standing down as leader.

Earlier in the week, Jodi McKay said she would not be standing down as leader. Photo: ABC/Dan Himbrechts

NSW Labor leader Jodi McKay will soon hold a media briefing amid reports she may resign from the top job – despite previous pledges to dig in.

It is understood Ms McKay, who has been NSW opposition leader since mid-2019, is in meetings and will address the media later on Friday.

Ms McKay has previously vowed to hang on to the leadership, following the resignations of frontbenchers Chris Minns, the transport spokesman and a potential leadership challenger, and shadow treasurer Walt Secord.

She was expected on Friday to announce a shadow ministry reshuffle.

On Wednesday, Mr Minns on Wednesday declared his position “untenable” after a “dirt file” was allegedly circulated via the office of deputy leader Yasmin Catley.

A disappointing byelection result in the Upper Hunter on Saturday has also increased the pressure on Ms McKay’s position.

But Mr Minns is yet to publicly challenge Ms McKay for the leadership, having said on Wednesday that he needed to speak with his colleagues.

Ms McKay has insisted neither she nor Ms Catley knew anything about the “dirt file”. The staffer who distributed it has been removed.

Since 2013, Labor party rules require 60 per cent of the caucus to vote to unseat a leader, as well as a vote by party members.

As a result, Mr Minns’ path to the leadership would be difficult unless Ms McKay resigns.

Ms McKay defeated Mr Minns for the Labor leadership after the party’s 2019 election defeat, with 29 caucus votes to Mr Minns’ 21.

Topics: NSW
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