URGENT UPDATE: Former Prime Minister John Howard has publicly backed Sussan Ley as the Liberal Party faces escalating internal strife, jeopardizing her leadership amid plummeting support. Just minutes ago, Howard emphasized the need for unity within the party, urging colleagues to “get behind” Ley as pressure mounts from within.
The crisis intensified following comments from Liberal senator Sarah Henderson, who indicated that Ley is losing party support. This comes on the heels of a dismal polling report revealing the Coalition’s primary vote has dropped to a record-low 24 percent. Ley, who has been leading the Liberals for approximately six months, has been forced to deflect questions about her position, stating she will not “comment on commentary.”
Howard, who served four terms as Prime Minister, stated, “I think Sussan Ley has got to be given a go,” during an interview with AAP. He called for the party to focus on policy and avoid internal conflict, warning that continuous bickering could lead to further decline. “If it spends all its time on internal bickering, it won’t recover,” he cautioned.
As the Liberal Party grapples with its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, dissent within its ranks is palpable. This division could have dire implications for Ley’s leadership, especially with key rivals like Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie pushing for the abandonment of the net-zero target.
In a revealing moment, Henderson expressed skepticism about Ley’s standing, saying, “I do think Sussan is losing support, but I do believe in miracles.” This lack of endorsement adds to the uncertainty surrounding Ley’s future.
Political analyst Kos Samaras, from Redbridge Group, commented on the situation, stating, “Sussan Ley has very, very little responsibility for what has actually happened.” He pointed out that the critics of Ley are often the same individuals whose actions have contributed to the party’s decline.
The Liberal Party is set to make critical decisions regarding its climate policy during meetings in Canberra next week, which could further impact Ley’s leadership and the party’s direction. As developments unfold, the urgency for a cohesive strategy has never been more pressing.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing situation as the Liberal Party grapples with its future direction and leadership.
