Sussan Ley has been deposed from her role as the first female leader of Australia's Liberal Party after merely nine months in office. In a recent leadership contest, she lost to Angus Taylor, her former shadow defence minister, in a secret ballot. Ley rose to leadership following a significant defeat in the previous elections but struggled with deepening internal divisions within the Liberal-National Coalition and lacked support, as shown by her poor poll numbers.
Taylor announced his candidacy to challenge Ley for the leadership last Wednesday, marking the end of speculation surrounding the contest. Following his election win on Friday, which occurred with a vote tally of 34 to 17 in his favor, he expressed his enthusiastic commitment to leading alongside the newly appointed deputy leader, Jane Hume.
In light of her defeat, Ley announced her resignation as a Member of Parliament, indicating her intention to step back from public life entirely. Despite her frustrations with the party dynamics, she claimed to hold ‘no hard feelings’ towards her successor. She remarked that it is crucial for Taylor to receive “clear air,” a point which reflects the infighting she experienced during her tenure.
Angus Taylor, whose leadership aspirations previously fell short against Ley in 2025, has experience in parliament since 2013, having served in ministerial roles under notable leaders like Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. Ley's leadership faced consistent challenges, including the coalition's splits, recent polling suggesting the rise of the populist One Nation Party, and escalating disagreements over critical policies affecting the party's direction.
Reflecting on her leadership, Ley commented on the personal and professional challenges she encountered during her term, indicating her awareness of the struggles faced by many Australians in their daily lives.
Taylor announced his candidacy to challenge Ley for the leadership last Wednesday, marking the end of speculation surrounding the contest. Following his election win on Friday, which occurred with a vote tally of 34 to 17 in his favor, he expressed his enthusiastic commitment to leading alongside the newly appointed deputy leader, Jane Hume.
In light of her defeat, Ley announced her resignation as a Member of Parliament, indicating her intention to step back from public life entirely. Despite her frustrations with the party dynamics, she claimed to hold ‘no hard feelings’ towards her successor. She remarked that it is crucial for Taylor to receive “clear air,” a point which reflects the infighting she experienced during her tenure.
Angus Taylor, whose leadership aspirations previously fell short against Ley in 2025, has experience in parliament since 2013, having served in ministerial roles under notable leaders like Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. Ley's leadership faced consistent challenges, including the coalition's splits, recent polling suggesting the rise of the populist One Nation Party, and escalating disagreements over critical policies affecting the party's direction.
Reflecting on her leadership, Ley commented on the personal and professional challenges she encountered during her term, indicating her awareness of the struggles faced by many Australians in their daily lives.
