The NSW Liberals have snubbed their federal colleagues and will retain its policy of net zero emissions by 2050, paving the way for a clash with the Nationals after the party’s new leader warned the target was “unlikely to be met”.

Within hours of Nationals MP Gurmesh Singh being elected as the party’s new leader, the opposition split on the floor of state parliament on a vote on emissions reduction when the junior Coalition partner refused to back a motion supporting net zero by 2050.

Despite a win within the party on net zero for Opposition Leader Mark Speakman – who has long expressed his support for the 2050 target – his hold on the top job remains tenuous, with rival Kellie Sloane prepared to take on the Liberal leadership but unwilling to launch a challenge.

Speakman’s leadership

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