She plans to dedicate the next few weeks to visiting her electorate, expressing gratitude to her constituents for their support throughout her 25-year parliamentary career.

Reflecting on her brief stint as opposition leader, she admitted it had been “tough” and marked by many restless nights.

Notably, Ley made history as the first woman to lead the federal Liberal Party.

“Undoubtedly, it’s been a challenging period to guide the party after experiencing our worst defeat in 81 years,” Ley remarked.

Drawing inspiration from her well-known punk rock background, Ley concluded by emphasizing the enduring lesson of the genre: “a fearless and honest belief in yourself.”

In her speech, Ley also expressed that there were “no hard feelings” regarding Taylor’s leadership challenge.

“Today I want to express gratitude for the Liberal party that I have known and loved for half of my adult life,” she added.

“I wish Angus Taylor well.

“I know that he has experience, energy and drive.”

Ley spent nine months leading the party after the opposition’s thumping 2025 federal election defeat under Peter Dutton.

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