Although Price had expressed intentions to run for deputy alongside Angus Taylor’s ambition to become Liberal leader, the Northern Territory senator did not officially put her name forward at this morning’s party meeting.
Instead, Ted O’Brien ran against surprise candidate Phil Thompson, with the former comfortably winning the vote 38-16.
“I intended to contest the role of deputy leader on a ticket with Angus Taylor. However, after the decision regarding the leadership of the Liberal Party, I opted not to pursue the deputy leader role,” Price stated.
“I acknowledge my recent arrival in the party and appreciate that our party allowed me to consider stepping up for the potential deputy leader position in these circumstances.”
Price’s decision to leave the Nationals party room less than a week after the election ruffled feathers in the junior Coalition partner, with leader David Littleproud yesterday saying the decision was disappointing, and Matt Canavan going much further in his criticism.
“Jacinta Price’s decision to put her own ambition over the will of the voters is exactly why people are sick of politicians,” the Queensland senator said.
Today, Price congratulated Ley and O’Brien on their election, although admitted she was disappointed Taylor was not chosen to lead her new party.
“So while the outcome today is not the one that I would have wanted, it in no way lessens my commitment to the Liberal Party and the broader Coalition,” she said.
“Nor does the outcome lessen my resolve to rebuild and strengthen the Liberal Party.
“If the Coalition is to offer hope and a way forward for our nation, unity must prevail more within us now more than ever.
“That is why I will work with Sussan Ley and Ted O’Brien to ensure the Coalition is a formidable opposition to the Albanese Labor government, and presents a compelling alternative to the Australian public at the next election.”
