Ryan Park, Paull Scully back Chris Minns for Labor leader

Kogarah MP Chris Minns emerged as MP for Maroubra Mr Daley's competition after under-pressure Jodi McKay quit the leadership last week.

Mr Scully and Mr Park have both said they will throw their support behind Mr Minns, despite speculation last week that Mr Park might throw his hat in the ring for the top job.

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They hope he's the man to bring Labor out of a decade-long wilderness in opposition at the next election.

"You can't do a lot of reform and bring about change from opposition," Mr Park said.

"I didn't join a protest movement, I joined a political party that is in the business of forming government to support the aspirations of working men and women and their communities across NSW.

"I have the utmost respect for Michael Daley ... However I believe now is the time for change and it's why I'll be supporting Chris Minns."

Mr Scully said Mr Minns may be able to claw back some of the trust Labor has lost in the regions.

"There is a perception that we have been focusing on the wrong things, and we have a lot of work to do before the next election to secure the confidence and trust of people in the regions," he said.

"No leader can do everything themselves, but a good leader will extract the best from those around them and I believe Chris is the person to do that."

A special caucus meeting will be held on Friday to open leadership nominations, which will run until Sunday, June 6.

Former leader Jodi McKay called for the party to rally round whoever the new leader is.

"While the leadership of the Labor Party may move to a ballot, there must an acknowledgment that at the end of the process, when the new leader is determined, we unite as a party," she said.

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