The Liberal Party is poised to remove its first female leader, with backers of Angus Taylor expressing confidence they can defeat Sussan Ley in Friday's leadership vote. By 7pm Thursday, ten frontbenchers had resigned, including Dan Tehan, Michaelia Cash, Jonathon Duniam, James McGrath and Dean Smith, all backing Taylor.
Both sides acknowledge a handful of votes could decide whether a spill motion succeeds after 9am Friday. Ley's supporters face being outgunned by conservatives pushing for a change in presentation and policy direction. Taylor quit the frontbench on Wednesday and announced his leadership bid on Thursday.
Ley remained silent beyond social media posts but agreed to a special party room meeting. Her deputy Ted O'Brien faces a challenge from Senator Jane Hume and Dan Tehan, while former environment minister Melissa Price also confirmed she would run for deputy. Tehan warned of a wipeout without change, saying the party must unify and develop a policy manifesto.
McGrath's move to the backbench was a blow to Ley, as he was a key backer. He said change was in the best interest of the country. Labor attacked Taylor and lashed the Liberals for infighting as parliament considered the Closing the Gap report. If the spill motion succeeds, Ley may decline to contest the subsequent ballot, potentially handing Taylor the leadership unopposed.
If rolled, Ley would become the second shortest-serving Liberal leader. There is speculation she could quit politics, triggering a difficult byelection. Key undeclared votes include Dave Sharma, Simon Kennedy and Cameron Caldwell. Conservatives demanded the new leader act quickly on cost-of-living and immigration policies.
