Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is facing increasing pressure as potential challengers emerge within her party. Senior Liberal figures Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie are reportedly positioning themselves for a leadership bid following a series of challenging weeks for Ley both in and out of parliament.
During an Australia Day event, Taylor, a frontbencher in the Liberal Party, refrained from dismissing the possibility of a leadership challenge when politicians reconvene in Canberra next week. He emphasized the need for the Liberal Party to demonstrate unity and purpose, stating, “The Liberal Party has got a lot of work to do.” As the opposition’s defence spokesman, Taylor acknowledged the limitations on what he could share because of his role within the shadow cabinet.
Ley has faced significant scrutiny, with reports suggesting that a leadership spill could be called when parliament resumes in the first week of February 2025. Despite the mounting speculation, Ley remains defiant. When asked if her leadership was coming to an end, she firmly replied, “Absolutely not. I’ve been elected by my party room to lead. I’m doing that, I have the confidence of my team.”
In the town of Corowa, located on the border of New South Wales and Victoria, Ley acknowledged the “frenzy of speculation in the media” regarding potential leadership challenges but maintained that her team is united.
Hastie, a backbencher and former SAS soldier, was approached for comment while on a run but declined to discuss party matters. He previously resigned from the front bench in 2025 to speak more freely about issues such as mass migration to Australia. Sources within the Liberal Party suggest that Hastie’s supporters believe he has significant backing among the conservative faction, while Taylor is drawing more support from moderates concerned about Hastie’s right-leaning politics.
Ley’s deputy, Ted O’Brien, expressed confidence in her leadership, arguing that she has shown an “enormous amount of dignity and strength” in navigating recent challenges. As the situation unfolds, the dynamics within the Liberal Party remain tense, with potential implications for its strategy and unity heading into future political battles.
With the parliamentary session fast approaching, all eyes will be on whether Ley can consolidate her support or if a challenge will materialise, reshaping the leadership landscape of the Liberal Party.
