NSW Liberal powerbrokers held urgent late-night talks with Opposition Leader Mark Speakman on Wednesday, amid fears a challenge to his leadership was imminent.

Moderate MPs Chris Rath and James Wallace as well as centre-right MP Scott Farlow were seen filing into Speakman’s office on Wednesday after the NSW Press Gallery’s annual event. Liberal MPs were telling colleagues the Cronulla MP’s leadership was over following the talks.

A source close to one of the MPs, who would not divulge details of discussions, said the meeting was to canvass “the state of the party” but also confirmed the urgency was sparked because of strong-held fears Wahroonga MP Alister Henskens was preparing to challenge Speakman.

Henskens has been seeking support from MPs to replace Speakman, but Vaucluse MP Kellie

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