A significant wave of frontbenchers has resigned from the Liberal shadow cabinet, following the departure of Angus Taylor on Wednesday night. This mass exodus signals an imminent leadership spill against the embattled party leader, Sussan Ley, plunging the opposition into a period of intense turmoil and uncertainty.
Angus Taylor's Resignation Sparks Crisis
Angus Taylor, in his resignation statement, expressed his previous support for Sussan Ley's leadership during difficult times since the May election last year. However, he delivered a stark warning, stating, 'But we can't mince with words. The Liberal Party is at the worst position it has been since 1944 when the party was formed.' This blunt assessment has set the stage for a dramatic internal confrontation.
Frontbenchers Follow Suit in Rapid Succession
On Thursday, a spate of frontbenchers quickly followed Taylor's lead, escalating the crisis. Liberal Party Whip Aaron Violi confirmed he had received a formal request to hold a party room meeting, a key procedural step towards a leadership challenge. The resignations this morning include Matt O’Sullivan, Philip Thompson, Shadow Cybersecurity and Science Minister Clare Chandler, and Senate Deputy Whip Jess Collins, all stepping down from the shadow ministry.
Political Analysts Predict Ley's Downfall
Daily Mail Australia political editor Peter van Onselen commented that it is difficult to see Sussan Ley surviving this looming leadership challenge. He noted, 'Chandler's resignation is all about building momentum for Angus Taylor's challenge. It's actually the same playbook Tony Abbott used to blast out Malcolm Turnbull as opposition leader back in 2009.' This historical parallel underscores the strategic nature of the resignations.
Strategic Moves and Gender Dynamics
Van Onselen highlighted an added tactic in this challenge: involving women MPs and Senators to lead the charge. This approach aims to overcome perceptions that a 'boys' club' is orchestrating the removal of the party's first female leader. He explained, 'But this time the added tactic is getting women MPs and Senators to lead the charge, in a bid to overcome the perception that the boys' club is rolling the first female leader of the party.' This is why figures like Sarah Henderson and Jane Hume have been vocal in calling for change this week.
Furthermore, Zoe McKenzie is emerging as the likely running mate for deputy leader in any challenge, adding another layer to the strategic maneuvering. However, van Onselen cautioned, 'Whether it works or not is another matter.' Despite these efforts, he concluded, 'Either way it's very hard to see Sussan Ley surviving this looming challenge, even though Taylor asks as many questions as he answers.'
The Liberal Party now faces a critical juncture, with leadership stability in question and internal divisions laid bare for public scrutiny.
