BREAKING: Sussan Ley has been ousted as the leader of the Liberal Party following a decisive 34-17 vote by party members, marking the end of her tumultuous nine-month leadership. Ley’s leadership began with high hopes of modernizing the party but quickly unraveled amid controversies and division.
The 2025 federal election saw the Coalition suffer a severe blow, losing 15 seats and leaving the party fractured. Ley took over after a significant defeat for the Coalition, with her predecessor, Peter Dutton, among the casualties. The Labor Party seized the moment, gaining 17 additional seats and achieving its third-largest majority in history, totaling 94 seats.
Ley faced immediate challenges in unifying her party, which was split between moderates and the National Right faction. Tensions escalated when National leader David Littleproud expressed dissatisfaction over policy discussions, culminating in a short-lived split from the Coalition on May 20. After intense negotiations, the dispute was resolved within a week, but the damage was done.
In a bid to stabilize her leadership, Ley made significant appointments and demotions, including removing Senator Claire Chandler from her shadow cabinet. However, this did little to quell dissent among party members. Former National leader Barnaby Joyce emerged as a vocal critic, spearheading a rebellion against the party’s net zero policy.
Ley’s leadership faced further challenges as divisions over immigration and hate speech laws intensified. The Coalition experienced a second split last month over controversial legislation hastily passed after the Bondi terror attack. Despite the legislation’s approval, three senior Nationals broke ranks, leading to a mass resignation that further weakened Ley’s position.
Polling data revealed dire consequences for Ley’s leadership, with public support for the Coalition hitting record lows. Amid the chaos, whispers of a leadership challenge grew louder, culminating in Taylor’s declaration of his intentions to oust Ley.
After the vote, Ley expressed her gratitude to the Liberal Party, saying, “The leadership of our party is a gift of the party room, and I respect the decision that they have made.” She announced her intention to step away from public life to focus on her family and her passion for aviation.
As the Liberal Party moves forward under new leadership, the fallout from Ley’s brief tenure will likely resonate in Australian politics for months to come. The next steps for the Coalition will be critical as it attempts to regain footing and address the internal divisions that have plagued it in recent months.
Stay tuned for updates on the new leadership and its impact on the political landscape in Australia.
