Angus Taylor has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party of Australia, defeating Sussan Ley in a partyroom vote held Friday, ending Ley’s nine-month tenure as the first female leader of the opposition. The vote concluded 34 to 17 in favor of Taylor, a former shadow defense minister and energy minister, according to multiple sources within the party.
The leadership change comes as the Liberal Party seeks to regain ground against the current Labor government. Taylor, in his first address to reporters following the vote, outlined his priorities as restoring Australia’s standard of living and “protecting our way of life.” He specifically cited home ownership and immigration as key areas of focus. “Our borders have been opened to people who hate our way of life, people who don’t want to embrace Australia and want Australia to change for them,” Taylor stated, adding that individuals who do not share “core beliefs” should not be permitted to enter the country.
Jane Hume was simultaneously elected as deputy leader, becoming the first senator to hold the position since 1990. Hume, who previously served as shadow finance minister under Peter Dutton, publicly supported Taylor’s bid for leadership.
Sussan Ley announced her intention to resign from parliament following the vote, triggering a by-election in her New South Wales electorate of Farrer. Ley, who served as leader for nine months, described her departure as a move to provide “clear air” for Taylor’s leadership. She indicated a desire to return to her passion for aviation and step away from public life.
Taylor’s victory represents a shift towards a more conservative direction for the Liberal Party. He appealed directly to voters considering supporting One Nation, acknowledging their “disappointment” with the Coalition and promising to restore their confidence. He likewise pledged to scrap Labor’s emissions policies and expand childcare choice.
The new Liberal leader emphasized a stricter approach to immigration, stating that numbers have been “too high and standards have been too low.” He indicated his policy would prioritize lower immigration numbers and higher standards, with a focus on attracting individuals who share Australian values, including democracy, the rule of law, and basic freedoms.
The upcoming by-election in Farrer presents an immediate challenge for Taylor, with the potential for a competitive contest against One Nation and the Nationals. The result will be a key indicator of the Liberal Party’s ability to regain support under its new leadership.
