Canberra, May 13 – In a historic leadership ballot, Sussan Ley has been elected as the first woman to lead the Liberal Party of Australia, defeating Angus Taylor by a close margin of 29 votes to 25. The leadership contest was triggered following the party’s devastating loss in the recent federal election, which saw outgoing leader Peter Dutton lose his Queensland seat of Dickson.
Ley, the Member for Farrer in New South Wales and former Deputy Leader of the party, takes the reins at a critical juncture for the Liberals, who are reeling from one of their worst electoral defeats in decades. The party now holds just 42 of the 150 seats in the House of Representatives.
“This is a turning point for our party,” Ley said following her election. “We must rebuild, listen to Australians, and present a new vision that reflects the values and aspirations of modern Australia.”
Ley, who has served in various ministerial roles including health, education, and environment, promised to steer the party towards a more inclusive and future-focused direction.
In the same meeting, Queensland MP Ted O’Brien was elected as Deputy Leader, comfortably defeating Phil Thompson by 38 votes to 16. O’Brien, seen as a unifying figure without strong factional ties, is expected to support Ley’s efforts to modernize the party and regain public trust.
The leadership race was further shaped by the surprise withdrawal of Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who had been expected to run for deputy leader. Her decision came shortly after Taylor’s defeat and she has yet to make a formal statement about her future political intentions.
The Liberal Party’s loss in the federal election was marked by a significant swing towards Labor and a growing presence of independents and minor parties. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was sworn in this week for a second term after Labor secured a decisive majority, winning at least 92 seats.
As the first woman to lead the Liberals since the party’s founding in 1944, Ley’s election is a significant milestone. She now faces the formidable task of rebuilding the party’s brand, reconnecting with voters, and preparing for the next federal contest.
“The road ahead will not be easy,” Ley acknowledged. “But I believe in the values of our party and in the strength of our democracy. Together, we will work tirelessly to earn back the trust of the Australian people.”
