UPDATE: Former Prime Minister John Howard has just announced his support for Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley as internal strife threatens her leadership. With party support plummeting to a record-low 24 percent, Howard urges members to unite behind Ley amid growing criticism and uncertainty.
Ley faced intense scrutiny on Friday after Liberal senator Sarah Henderson claimed that the opposition leader was losing backing within the party. Responding to questions about her leadership, Ley stated she would not “comment on commentary,” emphasizing the ongoing challenges within the coalition.
The pressure on Ley escalates as the Liberal Party grapples with internal divisions over its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The latest polling data indicates a significant decline in the coalition’s primary vote, prompting urgent calls for a reevaluation of party strategy.
In a candid interview with AAP, Howard insisted that Ley deserves a chance to lead, despite not being in parliament for nearly two decades. He said, “I think Sussan Ley has got to be given a go… get behind her.” Howard also highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong coalition with the Nationals, stating, “Keeping the coalition with the Nationals is integral to success.”
Critics within the party, including Henderson, express skepticism about Ley’s leadership. Henderson remarked, “I do think Sussan is losing support, but I do believe in miracles,” suggesting a need for a turnaround in party fortunes. Meanwhile, Ley’s rivals, Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, are calling for a complete abandonment of the net-zero target, further complicating the situation.
Political analyst Kos Samaras pointed out that poor polling reflects the impact of numerous conservative coalition MPs who have diverged from party policy since their electoral defeat. “Sussan Ley has very, very little responsibility for what has actually happened,” Samaras noted, pointing to the critics who have contributed to the current disarray.
As the Liberal Party prepares for crucial meetings in Canberra next week, the future of Ley’s leadership hangs in the balance. The outcome will significantly shape the party’s direction and its stance on key climate policies.
With party unity at stake, all eyes will be on the coalition’s next moves and whether they can rally behind Ley or face further fragmentation. The urgency of the situation demands immediate attention, as the ramifications of these developments will be felt across the political landscape.
