Angus Taylor has resigned from the shadow cabinet, paving the way for a challenge against Sussan Ley for the leadership of the Liberal Party. The shadow defence minister said the party was in its 'worst position' since its formation in 1944, and expressed doubt over Ley's ability to lead.
Speaking at an evening press conference, Taylor stated: 'I don’t believe Sussan Ley is in a position to be able to lead the party as it needs to be led.' He called for strong leadership and a focus on protecting Australians' way of life and restoring living standards. Ley's office indicated she would not respond to the resignation on Wednesday.
Senior allies are expected to follow Taylor in quitting the frontbench, increasing pressure on Ley to call a party room meeting. Shadow attorney general Andrew Wallace criticised the move to depose the party's first female leader, saying it was 'unacceptable' and urging unity. Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price backed Taylor, warning of another electoral wipeout without change.
Under party rules, two or more MPs can request a special meeting to spill the leadership. A secret ballot would then determine the leader. Taylor's announcement follows days of speculation triggered by a poor Newspoll and internal divisions over the Coalition split. Ley defeated Taylor 29 to 25 in the 2025 leadership contest, but both camps admit the numbers are now tight.
The moderate-aligned Ley's position has been seen as precarious after the Coalition split twice under her leadership. Andrew Hastie withdrew from the race on 30 January, leaving Taylor as the sole right-wing challenger. Ley brokered a deal to reunite the Coalition, but some MPs felt concessions to the Nationals damaged her credibility.
