Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley is facing a potential leadership challenge from conservative rivals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, with sources suggesting a contest could be triggered once they agree on a candidate. Ley recently surpassed the tenure of Alexander Downer as the party's shortest-serving leader, but her position remains precarious after a damaging split with the Nationals.
The fallout from three Nationals senators crossing the floor during a parliamentary vote on hate speech legislation has weakened Ley's standing. Nationals leader David Littleproud declared the Coalition agreement "untenable" under Ley, though some Liberals argue the Nationals should not dictate leadership changes.
Ley's handling of the Bondi beach terror attack response earned her temporary reprieve, as she criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's refusal of a royal commission. However, MPs are frustrated with the special summer sittings and blame the Nationals for diverting attention from Labor.
Potential successors include Andrew Hastie, a Western Australian, with Melissa McIntosh tipped as a possible deputy. Angus Taylor is returning from overseas, and discussions have also involved Ted O'Brien and Tim Wilson. Some colleagues believe Ley is on "borrowed time," with the next milestone being Brendan Nelson's 9-month tenure.
Littleproud himself may face a challenge as One Nation gains ground, predicting further National defections. The Liberal Party remains in flux as internal factions vie for control.
