Renewed pressure is building on Sussan Ley, the first woman to lead the Liberal Party of Australia, as speculations arise about her leadership amid ongoing debates over climate policy. Ley’s position has faced scrutiny particularly after reports indicated that two of her main rivals, Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, recently dined together in Canberra. Both politicians have expressed support for abandoning the coalition’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Liberal Party is currently experiencing significant internal conflict regarding climate policy, especially following the Nationals‘ decision to withdraw from the net-zero commitment. This shift has intensified discussions within the party and put Ley’s leadership under the spotlight. Political analyst Blair Williams from Monash University highlighted the potential ramifications of ousting the party’s first female leader. “It would be a terrible look for the Liberal Party to replace a woman leader with a group of men,” Williams stated in an interview with the Australian Associated Press (AAP). She emphasized that by electing Ley, the party aimed to convey a commitment to addressing women’s issues and increasing female representation.
Recent polling indicates that support for the Liberal Party has reached historic lows, further amplifying the pressures on Ley’s leadership. In response to the speculation surrounding her position, Ley sought to downplay the significance of the meeting between Taylor and Hastie, asserting her confidence in her role. When questioned about whether she would consider abandoning the net-zero goal to safeguard her leadership, Ley acknowledged the differing opinions within the party, stating, “There are a lot of different opinions in our party room.”
The speculation of a leadership challenge prompted former Nationals leader Michael McCormack to advocate for Ley, urging the party to support her and allow her the opportunity to lead effectively. Williams remarked that any leader stepping into the coalition following the significant defeat on May 3, 2023, would encounter challenges, but Ley’s situation is further complicated by her gender.
In a recent statement to Sky News, Taylor assured that Ley’s leadership remains secure, expressing confidence in her ability to guide the party into the next election. A decision regarding the coalition’s climate policy is anticipated by the end of 2025, leaving the party and its leadership in a state of uncertainty as it navigates these critical issues.
