NSW should be the nation's social conscience and not just its economic powerhouse, Labor MP Luke Foley said ahead of a caucus leadership ballot in which he is expected to be elected unopposed.

Speaking on Wednesday at Cronulla beach, where his children had been taking surfing lessons, a relaxed Mr Foley said he was "buoyed and humbled" by support he had received from his parliamentary colleagues to take Labor to the March election.

Mr Foley was granted a clear run to the top job on Tuesday after his only remaining challenger, Maroubra MP Michael Daley, withdrew from the race when it became clear Mr Foley had the numbers to win.

Mr Foley is a leading member of the party's minority Left faction, but has the backing of ALP head office and was expected to defeat Mr Daley, of the Right, should a ballot take place on January 5.