'He's finished': The Labor MPs who could replace Foley
NSW Labor planning spokesman Michael Daley is the frontrunner to become the next Opposition leader, as pressure mounts on Luke Foley to resign in the wake of a damning harassment allegation by an ABC journalist.
Mr Daley, who is deputy leader of the NSW Labor Party, is regarded by many MPs as the only viable successor to Mr Foley, but other names in the mix include Chris Minns and Jodi McKay.
As news of the allegation against Mr Foley landed like a bombshell in party circles, Labor MPs began rallying behind Mr Daley to take the reins of the party as "quickly as possible", describing Mr Foley's position as untenable.
One MP told the Herald Mr Daley had the "overwhelming support of the partyroom".
Another MP described Mr Daley as a "steady hand" who had "leadership qualities".
The Labor caucus is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, as Parliament returns for another sitting fortnight.
But it is almost certain to be brought forward. Some MPs preparing themselves for an emergency caucus meeting as soon as Friday, but were awaiting Mr Foley's next move.
Members of Mr Foley's cabinet were adamant his only option was to resign following the statement by ABC journalist Ashleigh Raper who accused him of inappropriately touching her at a CBD bar in November 2016.
"He's finished," one MP said. "It's just a question of whether he goes with grace and dignity or he's dragged out."
One MP, who described the statement as "damning", said Mr Foley had assured his team the allegations were untrue.
"I'm fuming," the MP said. "He made it very clear to us it didn't happen. Every single one of us are angry and disappointed. Hopefully he does the right thing and resigns."
"We feel betrayed," another MP said. "We stood by him when something really sickening has happened to someone."
However, some in the Labor caucus hold the view that Mr Daley is "from the old guard", and the party should seize the opportunity for fresh blood.
Mr Daley's critics point to the fact he thanked Eddie Obeid and Joe Tripodi, the since-disgraced factional warlords of NSW Labor, in his maiden speech to Parliament in 2005.
Mr Daley is from the Labor "right" faction and has held a range of ministry and shadow ministry positions since he was elected to NSW Parliament in 2005, when he replaced former Premier Bob Carr in the seat of Maroubra.
Labor's water spokesman Chris Minns, who is also from the right faction, has been touted as "leadership potential" since entering parliament at the 2015 election.
He has a small block of support among Labor right MPs, but is unlikely to have sufficient numbers against Mr Daley in a leadership challenge. Labor MPs from both the left and the right factions highlight the fact he is a "first termer" and lacks the experience of Mr Daley.
Before entering Parliament, Mr Minns was a senior factional player in the NSW Labor Party, holding the position of Assistant General Secretary.
Strathfield MP Jodi McKay is another possible leadership contender. She is the most senior woman in shadow cabinet.
As Labor's spokeswoman on Transport and Road ministries, she has built a public profile by leading the Opposition's attacks on government projects such as the delayed CBD Light Rail and WestConnex.
The Herald has contacted Mr Foley for a response.
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