URGENT UPDATE: Former Liberal leader John Hewson has sharply criticized current opposition leader Sussan Ley for her lack of strategy and leadership as the party grapples with internal strife and alarming polling numbers. With the party edging closer to finalizing its energy and emissions reduction policy, Hewson’s remarks add fuel to the fire of discontent within the Liberal Party.
Following two weeks of damaging infighting and rampant leadership speculation, Ley has convened a series of party room meetings aimed at solidifying a new direction for the party. These meetings are crucial as the Liberals prepare to negotiate their energy policy framework, with discussions set to take place on November 15, 2023, and a final agreement expected during an online meeting of both party rooms on November 16.
Hewson did not hold back in his assessment, stating, “She hasn’t shown any clear strategy, or any strong capacity in terms of leadership,” during an interview with AAP. His critique underscores a growing sentiment among party members that the opposition is lacking serious, actionable policies. Hewson, who allowed his membership to lapse in 2019 over concerns about the party’s climate change stance, emphasized the need for members with real-world experience outside politics.
“They haven’t got people with significant business experience… I don’t think that they’ve got people who are policy wonks in economic policy,” he stated. This lack of expertise, according to Hewson, hampers the party’s ability to present a cohesive and viable alternative to the current government.
Hewson’s remarks come as the party considers its future direction amid a volatile political landscape. He referenced former Prime Minister Tony Abbott‘s strategy of relying solely on criticism, noting, “You can’t just keep being negative and hoping to win on criticism.” This statement is particularly poignant given the Liberals’ current predicament, where they must find a way to unify their messaging on climate and energy policies.
Additionally, Hewson was critical of West Australian MP Andrew Hastie, who is viewed as a potential leadership contender. He described Hastie as being misled by the party’s right wing, suggesting that his controversial criticism of Australia’s immigration program may not resonate well with the general electorate.
As the Liberals prepare for their pivotal party room meetings, the stakes could not be higher. The discussions on November 15 will set the stage for a formal position on energy and emissions reduction, a policy area where the party has struggled to find consensus amidst fierce internal divisions.
Even if the Liberal Party manages to establish a unified plan, they still face the daunting task of negotiating with the Nationals. A six-person committee, composed of three Liberals and three Nationals, will endeavor to reach a compromise on these crucial issues.
As tensions rise and the clock ticks down to these critical meetings, the future direction of the Liberal Party remains uncertain. Party members and observers alike are watching closely as they seek clarity and a path forward in a rapidly changing political environment.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
