Three shadow frontbenchers from the Nationals who had previously broken ranks on a key vote have now been restored to their positions.
This internal split has highlighted an increase in support for One Nation, with some polls suggesting that the minor party’s primary vote could potentially eclipse that of the Liberals.
As a result, there is growing speculation about the job security of both Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud as the heads of their respective parties.
In an interview with Today this morning, Ley expressed her focus on moving forward and keeping the government accountable.
“While differences existed, resolving them has actually strengthened our processes and, more importantly, sharpened our focus,” she explained.
When questioned about the possibility of a leadership challenge, particularly from Angus Taylor, a member of the right-wing faction, Ley remained calm, stating that she intends to lead the Coalition at least until the next federal election.
She admitted the division had hurt the Coalition politically.
“I think it’s a fair point, Karl, that when Australians see us talking about ourselves, they mark us down,” she said.
She said the Coalition would be focusing on issues such as housing and cost of living, including school costs.
“Millions of Australians are being let down by a government that has got it all wrong,” she said.
However, Liberal Senator Jane Hume said the party faced an “existential crisis” amid dismal polling.
“There won’t be a single member of the House of Representatives from New South Wales. Something has to give.”
Speaking to reporters after her on-air interview in a brief doorstop, she said she wasn’t pushing for a change of leadership, but that the disastrous polling had to be laid at the feet of Ley and Littleproud.
“It has to come back to the leadership we are facing today,” she said.
“They have to reflect on themselves.”
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