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Liberal Party Splits from Nationals Amid Leadership Turmoil

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sussan Ley plans to announce a Liberal party-only frontbench, formally splitting from the Nationals amid leadership challenges.
Ley's allies believe she will avoid a leadership spill when parliament reconvenes, despite Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor not declaring their intentions.
Ley's decision to sack three Nationals senators over Labor's hate speech laws prompted the Nationals to quit the frontbench.
Many Liberals support Ley's actions, linking the Coalition's collapse to the Nationals' behavior.
Ley's announcement is expected after a memorial service for a former MP.

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Story summary

Sussan Ley plans to announce a Liberal party-only frontbench, formally splitting from the Nationals amid leadership challenges.
Ley's allies believe she will avoid a leadership spill when parliament reconvenes, despite Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor not declaring their intentions.
Ley's decision to sack three Nationals senators over Labor's hate speech laws prompted the Nationals to quit the frontbench.
Many Liberals support Ley's actions, linking the Coalition's collapse to the Nationals' behavior.
Ley's announcement is expected after a memorial service for a former MP.