Senior figures within the Liberal Party have publicly declared their steadfast support for embattled Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, as speculation regarding her political future reaches fever pitch. The show of solidarity comes amid mounting internal tensions and open discussion of potential leadership challenges from within the party's own ranks.
Public Backing from Senior Moderates
Opposition immigration spokesman and prominent moderate Paul Scarr has emphatically thrown his "100 per cent support" behind Ms Ley. In a Tuesday interview with ABC Radio, Senator Scarr specifically endorsed her handling of the recent parliamentary vote on contentious hate-crime legislation, which ultimately passed with Liberal support despite causing significant coalition fractures.
"Sussan has demonstrated, since becoming leader, how she's been able to navigate some very, very difficult issues," Senator Scarr stated. He further argued that while many were focusing on the risks associated with the legislation, there were equally substantial risks in not passing it, concluding that "Sussan behaved very responsibly."
Legislative Fallout and Coalition Rift
The legislation in question, which allows for the outlawing of hate groups and increases penalties for hate speech, was introduced in response to the December 14 Bondi terror attack. Its passage proved deeply divisive, ultimately triggering the formal break-up of the coalition after Nationals MPs broke with their Liberal colleagues to vote against the laws.
This political schism has created a volatile environment within the opposition, with several high-profile figures now positioning themselves for potential leadership moves. Shadow Minister for Defence Angus Taylor and former minister Andrew Hastie, now a backbencher, are both understood to be actively angling to replace Ms Ley.
Mounting Pressure and Defiant Stance
Despite sources indicating a leadership spill is likely when parliament returns in early February, Ms Ley has adopted a defiant public posture. Addressing reporters on Australia Day in Corowa, she firmly stated she was "absolutely not" of the belief that her leadership was over.
Senator Scarr echoed this resilience, repeating Ms Ley's characterisation of the situation as part of a "frenzy of speculation in the media." He pointedly noted that "at the moment there is no announced challenge. There is no announced intention to seek a spill."
Leadership Ambitions Remain Unchecked
However, the ambitions of her potential rivals remain unchecked. When questioned, Mr Taylor pointedly refused to rule out making a tilt for the leadership when politicians return to Canberra, stating only that "the Liberal Party has got a lot of work to do."
Senator Scarr revealed he had not been approached by either Mr Taylor or Mr Hastie to "run the numbers" for a potential leadership challenge, suggesting any moves remain in the preliminary stages.
Broader Party Support Emerges
Further support for Ms Ley emerged from Liberal MP Tim Wilson, who publicly backed the leader while taking a swipe at the coalition's former partners. "The party does not want tantrums like we've seen from the National Party," Mr Wilson told Sky News. "What people want to see is leadership. I always support the leader, we've got to make sure that whatever it is, we're united behind the team."
This public backing from key moderates and colleagues represents a concerted effort to shore up Ms Ley's position as she faces the most significant internal threat to her leadership since taking the role. The coming weeks, as parliament prepares to resume, will prove critical in determining whether this support is enough to quell the growing unrest and see off any formal challenge to her authority.
