Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Race Intensifies: Ley and Taylor Battle for Liberal Leadership

5/9/2025

42 6

Left

Ley and Taylor Compete

The Liberal leadership race heats up as Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor emerge as top contenders following Dan Tehan's exit. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's switch to the Liberals signals her ambition for a deputy role. Ley is determined to steer the party towards recovery, while Taylor grapples with backlash over his previous policies. The pivotal election takes place this Tuesday.

Summary

Story summary

Former Victorian Liberal premier Jeff Kennett slammed the Coalition's election campaign as the worst in history, urging unity behind Sussan Ley as leader. Amidst anonymous attacks on Ley and Angus Taylor, the party grapples with deep divisions and the urgent need to rebuild after a staggering electoral defeat. The stakes have never been higher.

History

Historical Context

The Liberal Party in Australia faces significant challenges, reminiscent of past divisions. In the late 1990s, the party struggled after losing multiple elections, leading to internal conflicts and leadership changes. Jeff Kennett's criticism echoes similar sentiments from that era, highlighting the need for unity and strategic direction to recover from electoral defeats, as seen historically in political realignments.

1 of 3

Ley and Taylor Compete

The Liberal leadership race heats up as Sussan Ley and Angus Taylor emerge as top contenders following Dan Tehan's exit. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's switch to the Liberals signals her ambition for a deputy role. Ley is determined to steer the party towards recovery, while Taylor grapples with backlash over his previous policies. The pivotal election takes place this Tuesday.

1 / 3