After representing her New South Wales electorate for a quarter of a century, Sussan Ley has prompted a by-election by officially resigning on Friday morning, announcing her departure from political life.
Just a fortnight ago, Ley was unseated by Angus Taylor during a leadership contest within the Liberal Party, where she was defeated by a vote count of 17 to 34.
Following this leadership change, Ley made it known she intended to step down from her parliamentary role.
“I am eager to fully retreat from public duties and focus on my family,” she remarked at the time.
In a statement issued this morning, she confirmed she would not be returning to parliament to deliver a formal farewell speech.
“I trust that my legacy over these 25 years will stand on its own; through my roles as a local member, minister across four Coalition governments, and as a Liberal Party leader, as well as through the numerous lives I have touched along my journey.”
Ley was the first female leader of the Liberal Party and the Opposition.
Having become the first woman to lead not just the federal Liberal Party, but any federal Opposition, was “a milestone for all women to be proud of,” she wrote in her statement today.
“I hope I have paved the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed in, both these roles.”
“After the Liberal Party suffered our worst defeat in 81 years, it was with gratitude and humility that I took on the role of leader of our party.”
Liberal representative ‘vital’ for Farrer
Ley has represented the south-west NSW seat of Farrer since 2001, following the retirement of the electorate’s previous representative, National Party MP Tim Fischer.
“Naturally, I am sad to no longer represent my electorate of Farrer,” Ley said.
“The people and their stories will always be with me. Farming families battling fires, dust storms, drought and low irrigation allocations; small business owners breathing activity into quiet streets and local volunteers asking for so little but doing so much.”
Ley said it’s vital a Liberal member is elected in the by-election, as it’s “vital for the betterment and ongoing strength of our region”.
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