Discontent within the Liberal Party is escalating, with increasing calls for party leader Sussan Ley to resign as support for Andrew Hastie intensifies. Currently serving as the member for Canning, Hastie is emerging as a potential successor, with reports indicating he has garnered the backing of over 20 MPs. This places him in a strong position to challenge Ley, who is facing significant pressure following a series of leadership missteps.
Supporters of Hastie are asserting that his backing is significantly greater than that of Angus Taylor, another contender for the leadership role. A Liberal source informed The Sunday Times that Hastie requires just six additional votes to unseat Ley. While Hastie has not publicly declared his intention to run, his supporters suggest that Ley’s leadership is faltering. “It’s reasonable to say that Andrew Hastie on a hard count is already into the 20s,” the source stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as the party grapples with an “existential threat” to its relevance among Australian voters.
Despite the escalating tensions, Hastie has chosen not to comment on the leadership crisis. However, his supporters are optimistic that Taylor may withdraw from the race, which could further consolidate support for Hastie. “Once Angus withdraws from the race, the only other credible candidate is Andrew,” a source noted.
Ley’s leadership is under severe strain following a breakdown in relations with the Nationals, led by David Littleproud. This fallout occurred after Ley accepted the resignations of several members, including Bridget McKenzie, who voted against legislation aimed at curbing hate groups and radical Islamic preachers. The result was a mass resignation from Littleproud and his entire front bench, further destabilizing Ley’s leadership.
As the party prepares for the resumption of Parliament on February 3, 2025, speculation continues regarding Ley’s future. When questioned about her leadership during a media briefing, Ley asserted, “Yes, and I’m being backed by my Liberal Party in the decisions that I’ve made to date.” Nevertheless, numerous sources within the party are voicing the view that her leadership is “terminal,” with calls for her to step down to avert a protracted leadership conflict.
The political landscape for the Liberals in Western Australia is particularly bleak, as they currently hold just four out of 16 federal seats. It is understood that if a vote were conducted regarding Ley’s leadership, only one of eight WA Liberal MPs and senators, Melissa Price, would support her. Price, who confirmed her backing for Ley, stated that the leader has faced immense pressure from the outset and has not received a fair chance to lead effectively.
Under Ley’s leadership, the Coalition has not only failed to make gains but has also seen its position erode, with One Nation now enjoying a primary vote of 22 percent, compared to the Coalition’s 21 percent in recent polls. Hastie himself has been critical of the party’s immigration policy, having resigned from the shadow cabinet last year over disagreements on this issue. He has also voiced opposition to net zero emission targets, further differentiating his approach from that of Ley.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Hastie will formally announce his candidacy. With growing support and increasing dissatisfaction with Ley’s leadership, the Liberal Party is at a pivotal moment that could redefine its direction in the lead-up to future elections.
