The battle for the NSW Labor leadership is now a three-horse race after opposition environment spokesman Luke Foley announced he would contest the January 5 ballot.
Mr Foley, 44, confirmed on Sunday that he would stand for the position and was seeking support from his colleagues.
"A Labor party led by me will be a party of solutions and never a mere party of protest," Mr Foley told reporters at Homebush.
He joins Labor treasury spokesman Michael Daley and opposition police spokesman Steve Whan in the race.
Acting Labor leader Linda Burney, who had also been tipped to stand, released a statement on Sunday ruling herself out of contention.
Mr Foley, a member of Labor left, described himself as an "unlikely candidate" for the top job, but said he would bring energy, ideas and Labor values if chosen for the role.
"I believe I have been considered by many as a worthy candidate to lead the party simply because of my hard work and effectiveness in opposition," he said.
"No one ever gave me a leg-up in life. I've worked hard to get where I am today."
Mr Foley, who's also leader of the opposition in the Legislative Council, said he would seek Labor preselection in the seat of Auburn, if endorsed as party leader.
"This is my community, I live just down the road," he said.
"It is a seat that has not concluded its preselection."
Mr Foley was elected to the Legislative Council in June 2010 after the resignation of now disgraced former Labor politician Ian Macdonald.
In addition to his shadow environment portfolio, Mr Foley is also opposition spokesman for Planning.
Mr Foley said if elected Labor leader he would "ignore factions" in the party.
"I will invest in talent and ideas," he said.
"The future of the Labor Party is to be a meritocracy."
The January 5 ballot comes after John Robertson stepped down after revelations he signed a letter on behalf of Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis in 2011.
NSW voters go to the polls in March, with the Mike Baird-led coalition government heavily favoured to be returned.
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