Following a significant leadership change within the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley has announced her resignation from parliament, triggering a byelection in her New South Wales seat of Farrer. Ley addressed the media graciously after her defeat in the party ballot on Friday, but her departure poses a challenge for new Liberal leader Angus Taylor, who faces an uncertain political landscape.
The byelection will see competition from the Liberals, Nationals, One Nation, and at least one prominent independent candidate. Michelle Milthorpe, a former teacher backed by Climate 200, has confirmed her candidacy. Milthorpe previously secured a strong showing in the last election, losing to Ley with a two-candidate vote of 56% to 44%. She stated, “The electorate is looking for a voice outside the major parties that can speak to the real issues happening to us.”
In the wake of Ley’s resignation, Pauline Hanson quickly announced that One Nation would contest the Farrer seat. This region, which includes the major centre of Albury and extends to the South Australian border, is a conservative stronghold. Ley first won the seat in 2001 after the retirement of former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer. The current Nationals Leader, David Littleproud, is keen to reclaim the seat, adding another layer of intrigue to the political dynamics between the Liberal and National parties.
Ley’s defeat in the leadership ballot was notable, with a vote tally of 34-17 against Taylor. The results indicate a significant shift in party loyalty, as some of Ley’s previous supporters did not back her in this crucial moment. This change reflects a deeper malaise within the Liberal Party that Taylor must now address.
The new leadership team has garnered attention for its gender and factional balance, with Jane Hume elected as deputy leader. Hume’s role is particularly significant given the party’s recent struggles and the need to appeal to female voters. The departure of Ley leaves the party with only five women in the House of Representatives, underscoring the importance of Hume’s position in reaching a broader electorate.
Taylor enters leadership at a time when the government grapples with pressing economic challenges, including rising inflation, currently at 3.8%, and increasing interest rates. His economic credentials may provide an advantage as the party seeks to reconnect with voters. However, his initial public statements have raised concerns about whether his messaging resonates with contemporary issues.
At a news conference on Friday, Taylor acknowledged past missteps by the party, particularly regarding personal income tax. “I’m particularly conscious that we got some big calls wrong – especially on personal income tax. And it won’t happen again,” he stated, reaffirming the Liberals’ commitment to lower taxes. He emphasized the need for the party to return to its core values and to listen to the electorate more attentively.
Looking ahead, Taylor is expected to outline a new immigration policy, aiming to address the significant concerns of the party’s conservative base. Yet, as former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull noted, adopting a tougher stance on immigration may not be an effective strategy for winning back disillusioned voters who have shifted towards One Nation.
The Liberal Party’s leadership transition signals an acknowledgment of its current challenges. While Taylor’s appointment may inject new energy into the party, it remains to be seen how effectively he can navigate the complexities of urban and regional politics, particularly in light of increasing competition from both Labor and independent candidates.
The byelection in Farrer is just one of the immediate hurdles for the new leadership team. As Taylor embarks on this new chapter, the path forward will require not only addressing internal divisions but also presenting a compelling vision that can resonate with a diverse electorate.
