An opposition leader is ignoring "anonymous gossip" from those who want him replaced following a convincing loss in a "unique" by-election to replace a rapist MP.

Former journalist Katelin McInerney comfortably won the NSW south coast seat of Kiama over the weekend, with Labor's two-party preferred vote about 60 per cent.

The victory bolsters the minority Labor government's position while adding to pressure on Opposition Leader Mark Speakman.

But he is "supremely confident" there will not be a challenge to his leadership.

"There are a lot of armchair commentators, my focus is not on their chatter," he told ABC Radio Sydney on Monday.

The by-election loss was disappointing, but not unexpected.

"Kiama is a special case," Mr Speakman said.

Gareth Ward's 14-year hold on the seat ended i

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