Sussan Ley has been elected leader of the Liberal Party following a closely contested ballot, marking a historic moment as the first woman to head the party. She secured 29 votes to 25 against rival Angus Taylor, cementing her position in the wake of the party’s massive defeat at the last federal election.
Liberal Party Whip Melissa Price confirmed that Ted O’Brien would serve as deputy leader, having defeated Phil Thompson with a decisive 38 to 16 vote in a separate contest. Neither Ley nor O’Brien spoke to the media immediately after emerging from the partyroom, though a press conference is expected later.
Rebrand coming
The leadership vote followed weeks of speculation and internal deliberation, as the Liberals seek to reset their direction following their heavy loss at the ballot box.
Ahead of the vote, Ley maintained a reserved stance, telling reporters she was “looking forward” to the meeting but refraining from comments about her chances.
Outgoing Senator Linda Reynolds publicly backed Ley, while other senior figures, including Western Australian Senators Matt O’Sullivan, James Paterson, and Jacinta Price, were among the first to enter the meeting. Queensland MP Terry Young, who had previously indicated he would not attend, joined proceedings, reportedly after being urged by leadership contender Taylor.
NSW Senator Andrew Bragg, one of Ley’s key supporters, arrived independently, while backers Hollie Hughes, Dave Sharma and Kerrynne Liddle arrived together. New Monash MP Mary Aldred entered with Jane Hume and Richard Colebeck, while Tim Wilson arrived with Aaron Violi and Zoe McKenzie. Dan Tehan, once floated as a possible deputy, entered the meeting alone.
Ley, 63, was deputy leader of the party under Peter Dutton and is associated with the small centre-right faction.
She pitched herself to colleagues as a centrist reformer, but her authority will be tested in a divided party room with difficult choices to make in key policy areas such as nuclear power. She was a cabinet minister in the Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison governments.