URGENT UPDATE: Former Liberal leader John Hewson has launched a scathing attack on current opposition leader Sussan Ley, criticizing her lack of strategy and leadership as the party faces a critical juncture in its energy and climate change policy. This damning assessment comes as the Liberal Party grapples with internal divisions and disheartening polling results.
In a series of party room meetings scheduled for next week, Ley aims to establish a cohesive approach to energy and emissions reduction. However, after two weeks of intense infighting and rampant leadership speculation, the pressure is mounting for her to deliver a clear path forward. Ley’s call for party discussions on November 15, 2023, follows a tumultuous period for the party, which has seen its unity severely tested.
Hewson, who let his party membership lapse in 2019 due to frustrations about the Liberal Party’s climate change stance, expressed grave concerns over the party’s direction. “She hasn’t shown any clear strategy or strong capacity in terms of leadership,” he stated in an interview with Australian Associated Press (AAP). The former leader lamented the party’s lack of serious policies, attributing it to a membership devoid of substantial business experience.
“You can’t just keep being negative and hoping to win on criticism,” Hewson warned, referencing former Prime Minister Tony Abbott‘s approach, which ultimately failed.
Hewson’s criticism extends to Andrew Hastie, a Western Australian MP considered a potential leadership contender. “He’s been sold a bit of a dump by the right of the party,” Hewson remarked, indicating that Hastie’s controversial views on Australia’s immigration program may not resonate with the general electorate.
The urgency for the Liberal Party to devise a coherent policy is palpable. Ley’s meetings on November 15 will involve discussions focused on finalizing the party’s energy and emissions reduction strategy, crucial for the party’s future positioning. Following this, shadow ministers will convene on November 16 to formalize their stance.
Despite the pressing need for unity, the Liberals will also have to negotiate with the Nationals, as a six-person committee composed of three members from each party attempts to forge a compromise on these pivotal issues.
As the internal turmoil continues, the stakes have never been higher for Sussan Ley and the Liberal Party. With a party room meeting set for just days away, all eyes will be on how Ley addresses these challenges and whether she can steer the party toward a united front.
The political landscape in Australia is shifting rapidly, making it crucial for the Liberal Party to act decisively. As the clock ticks down to their discussions, the future of the party rests on Ley’s ability to regain the confidence of her colleagues and the public.
