Jane Hume expressed her belief that although Sussan Ley is indeed commendable, the time has come for a change in leadership.

Hume declared on Sunrise with host Nat Barr, “I’m backing Angus Taylor’s bid and I’m also stepping forward for the deputy leader position.”

She emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are at a pivotal moment and cannot afford to remain passive as our support base dwindles.”

Hume criticized the current government, claiming it is failing to gain traction, leaving people dissatisfied without offering a compelling option from the Liberal opposition.

While acknowledging Ley as a “good person” who has served both her party and the nation tirelessly, Hume noted, “My colleagues and I hear from our constituents that they are looking for something more substantial.”

‘But when my colleagues and I go back to our electorates, people are telling us that they need something more.

She put Labor fear Taylor as a potential leader.

But Barr said Taylor did not prove himself while shadow treasurer prior to the 2025 election.

‘Can you honestly say that Angus Taylor socked it to the government on energy or the cost of living?’ Barr asked.

Hume hit back and described him as ‘one of the greatest intellects’.

‘The most important thing now is that we let him have an opportunity to develop the policies that he knows he wants to deliver for the Australian people,’ she said.

‘He has an incredible background and amazing academic history.

‘He’s a good man, a great liberal and he deserves an opportunity to lead.’

Ley has walked into the party‑room meeting flanked by her key supporters, including NSW moderate Senators Andrew Bragg and Maria Kovacic.

Shadow Attorney‑General Andrew Wallace, one of Ley’s most vocal backers, followed closely behind, along with Deputy Senate Leader Anne Ruston, Tim Wilson, and Melissa Price.

The mood inside Ley’s office is understood to be ‘dire,’ with staff privately conceding she is likely to lose the leadership within the hour.

One senior member of Ley’s team had reportedly clung to hopes last night that the contest was still a ‘coin‑flip.’

That optimism has since collapsed, with staff now joking grimly about ‘getting the shredder ready’ for documents.