Angus Taylor Officially Challenges Sussan Ley for Liberal Party Leadership
Angus Taylor has formally launched his bid to become the leader of the Liberal party, directly challenging the incumbent Sussan Ley. This move comes after a spill motion was delivered to Ley on Thursday morning, triggering a potential leadership ballot. Taylor, who resigned from the shadow cabinet on Wednesday night, declared in a social media video that the party has "lost its way" under Ley's leadership.
Resignations and Pressure Build on Ley
The call for a leadership ballot followed a wave of resignations from the shadow frontbench on Thursday morning. Key allies of Taylor, including Jess Collins and Phil Thompson, handed a letter to Ley requesting a meeting to consider a motion to spill the leadership. Thompson, along with fellow frontbenchers Matt O'Sullivan and Claire Chandler, have also resigned from their roles in a coordinated effort to increase pressure on Ley.
In his video statement, Taylor emphasized the need for strong leadership, stating, "The Labor government has failed and the Liberal party has lost its way. I'm running to be the leader of the Liberal party because I believe that Australia is worth fighting for. We need clarity, courage, and confidence in providing a vision for the future." He committed to restoring the party to meet public expectations, warning that time is running out.
Party Room Dynamics and Leadership Process
Under Liberal party conventions, two or more MPs can request a special party room meeting to vote on a leadership spill. If a majority supports the motion, a secret ballot is held to determine the new leader. Ley has not yet publicly responded to the letter, and no meeting time has been set, although MPs anticipate it could occur on Thursday night or Friday morning.
Ley, who became the party's first female leader after defeating Taylor 29 votes to 25 following the 2025 election, faces a tight contest. Both camps claim to have majority support in the 51-member party room, but numbers are reportedly close. Allies of both leaders have been vocal in their support, with shadow attorney-general Andrew Wallace expressing confidence in Ley's ability to survive any challenge, calling it "undercooked" and "ill-prepared."
Deputy Leadership Speculation and Gender Considerations
Jockeying is also underway for the Liberal deputy leadership. Incumbent Ted O'Brien is seen as vulnerable if Ley is rolled, with Victorian Jane Hume emerging as a potential frontrunner under Taylor. Other possible contenders include Flinders MP Zoe McKenzie and frontbenchers Dan Tehan and Melissa McIntosh, though none have resigned to contest the race yet. Goldstein MP Tim Wilson is also being discussed.
There is a strong view among many Liberals that Taylor should select a female deputy to avoid the perception that "two blokes had rolled Sussan Ley and taken over the party again." Sources indicate little appetite to retain O'Brien, with one bluntly stating, "there is no appetite to keep Ted." This highlights ongoing internal debates about gender diversity and party image.
The leadership challenge underscores deep divisions within the Liberal party as it grapples with its direction and public perception. With resignations mounting and a spill motion in play, the coming days will be critical in determining the party's future leadership and strategy.
