The Liberal party's latest leader has thrown down the gauntlet, vowing to fight with her ailing party as a crucial election looms.

First-term MP Kellie Sloane completed her meteoric ascent to the top of the NSW Liberals on Friday after her predecessor Mark Speakman gave way to mounting pressure and resigned.

With just 18 months to try turn around the party's poor polling before the state election, she said she was ready to get to work.

"I don't underestimate the challenge ahead of us," Ms Sloane told reporters on Friday.

"I am ready for the fight."

Housing, infrastructure and transport are emerging as policy priorities as Ms Sloane promised to help families and young Australians.

But she faces a significant uphill battle.

No first-term opposition has won an election in NSW or federa

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