Secret talks among right-wing Liberal men to oust party leader Sussan Ley have sparked a political melodrama, with the timing—hours before a memorial for late colleague Katie Allen—drawing criticism. Images of the clandestine meeting in Melbourne were widely broadcast, overshadowing the sombre occasion.
The internal plot to replace Ley, the party's first female leader, has stalled as rivals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie vie for the faction's backing. Taylor, more experienced and overseas when the campaign began, insists his seniority merits support, while Hastie's camp claims it has the numbers. Neither has publicly declared intentions, prolonging speculation.
The meeting, attended by Taylor, Hastie, Jonno Duniam, Matt O'Sullivan, and James Paterson, was reportedly brokered by former MP Michael Sukkar. Despite interventions from conservative elder Tony Abbott, no resolution was reached, making a leadership spill when parliament returns next week appear unlikely.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the talks “astonishing,” noting the Coalition's recent confirmation of its end on a national day of mourning. Liberal MPs were aghast at using the memorial for political maneuvering. Paterson publicly reaffirmed support for Ley, while Duniam called for an urgent end to the “unhelpful” speculation.
The presence of shadow cabinet members at the talks confirms the push to oust Ley extends beyond rogue backbenchers. As the stalemate continues, Ley's leadership appears increasingly precarious, with a challenge almost certain despite the immediate threat of a spill receding.
