Moderate Liberals have voiced strong concerns that Angus Taylor would be making a grave mistake if he supports Tony Abbott's bid for the federal Liberal presidency. Insiders warn that the former prime minister's high profile and uncompromising stance on immigration would create constant distractions for the opposition leader and the party.
Contest for the Presidency
A leadership race is emerging between Tony Abbott and former foreign minister Alexander Downer to replace ex-South Australian premier John Olsen as Liberal Party president. The decision will be made when the party's federal council convenes in Melbourne later this month. Abbott, who lost his parliamentary seat nearly seven years ago, is seeking a return to frontline politics and will only nominate if Taylor, a conservative ally, backs him.
Abbott's Statement
In a statement, Abbott said: "I would be happy to respond to a credible call to serve the party as president. I want the Liberal Party to be the best version of itself and in any capacity at all will be striving to make Angus Taylor Australia's 32nd prime minister." The federal presidency is an unpaid role overseeing the party's administrative and campaigning infrastructure, typically operating away from the media spotlight.
Moderate Fears
However, moderate Liberals fear that Abbott's strong opinions, particularly on immigration, would make him a perpetual distraction. One Liberal source described Abbott as a "shadow opposition leader" due to his influence. "He doesn't want to be a sideshow, he wants to be the main character," the source said. "We don't need more drama." Another source warned that Abbott would act as a de facto leader from the president's chair, influencing policy. "If you're putting yourself forward to the Australian public as an alternative prime minister, people don't want to think you've delegated power to another former prime minister," one moderate Liberal said of Taylor. "If Angus does that he's got rocks in his head."
Taylor's Response
Speaking on the eve of the Farrer byelection, Taylor praised Abbott as a great friend and Australian but deflected questions about his support. "Tony is going to keep making a magnificent contribution to this country, as he has in the past," Taylor said. When pressed on whether he would back Abbott's candidacy, he added: "I think he's going to make a big contribution and it's up to him ... he'll make his own decisions."
Nominations Timeline
Nominations for the presidency will open in the next fortnight, ahead of the federal council meeting on 29-30 May. Two senior sources suggested the position might not be contested, with either Abbott or Downer stepping aside to allow the other a clear run. Liberals close to Abbott believe he still desires a return to federal parliament and might forgo the presidency in hopes of securing a seat.
Downer confirmed his intention to nominate, describing the role as "an administrative job, not a policy job." He stated: "I wouldn't be going into it to promote particular policies ... but to give back to a political party which has given so much to me over the years. These are difficult times for the Liberal Party. So I think some of us who benefited during the Howard government ought to give something back to the party when it's in some difficulty."
