As the final parliamentary session of the month unfolds, whispers of a potential leadership challenge are intensifying, with possibilities looming over the next three days.
This morning, the Liberal Party convened a meeting. However, the absence of several senators, busy with committee hearings, meant that no leadership challenge was initiated.
Malcolm Turnbull, who famously stepped down from the frontbench in 2015 to challenge and eventually unseat Prime Minister Tony Abbott, is urging Taylor to take a similar step this week.
“I believe he should step up,” Turnbull expressed during a press briefing in the Senate courtyard, echoing the moment he confronted Abbott.
“It’s crucial to take a stand and make one’s intentions clear,” he added.
“In this arena, leadership aspirations should be declared openly. If Angus aspires to lead the Liberal Party, he ought to announce it and articulate his vision.”
The Liberal primary vote is just 15 per cent.
Turnbull didn’t say Ley â who has been opposition leader for less than a year â had been denied a fair go, saying it was part and parcel of politics.
He admitted it was difficult to see a viable road back for the party.
“I sympathise with all of my former colleagues, but they are in a terrible state,” he said.
“This is the Liberal Party facing an existential crisis.
“It’s a long road ahead⦠they should be worried, these polls are terrible.”Â
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