Former federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has officially stepped down from her parliamentary role, subtly critiquing her successor, Angus Taylor, in the process.
This move follows her removal from the Coalition leadership just two weeks ago, a decision driven by internal party strife and dwindling public support reflected in recent polls.
In the immediate aftermath of the leadership upheaval, Ley declared her intention to leave the political arena, prompting an impending by-election for her Farrer seat in New South Wales.
On Friday, she reflected, “Following the Liberal Party’s most significant defeat in 81 years, I embraced the opportunity to lead our Party with gratitude and humility. I was chosen by my parliamentary peers, and I express my sincere thanks to them for this chance to serve.”
Ley highlighted her role as a pioneering figure, being the first woman to lead not only the Federal Liberal Party but any Federal Opposition, marking a significant achievement for women everywhere.
She also alluded to the reintroduction of her previous policies, particularly criticizing Taylor’s rollout of his ISIS brides strategy, which mirrored Ley’s earlier announcements, suggesting a discreet jab at her successor’s actions.
‘It will be for commentators and historians to measure the period of my leadership, but I am proud that we were instrumental in establishing a Commonwealth Royal Commission into Antisemitism and that we set clear directions on several key policy areas in tax, industrial relations, energy, national security, and families,’ she added.
Former Opposition leader Sussan Ley formally resigned from parliament on Friday
Ley’s resignation included a thinly veiled swipe at successor Angus Taylor (pictured)
‘I welcome the Coalition’s immediate re-adoption of many of these directions and policies in recent days and weeks.
‘Australia is best served by Coalition governments and I particularly wish every one of my now former colleagues well as they work diligently and determinedly to win government.’
Under Ley’s leadership, support for the Liberal-National Coalition plunged to a record low, as support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation dramatically increased.
The upcoming Farrer by-election is expected to be a hotly contested four-way race.
The Liberals, Nationals, One Nation and independent Michelle Milthorpe hope to win Ley’s seat once a by-election date is called. It is expected to be held before the Federal Budget in May.
The by-election is already shaping up to be the first major test of Taylor’s leadership.
The regional seat of Farrer has always been held by either the Liberals or the Nationals since it was established in 1949.
‘At every one of the 30 elections since, through different and challenging circumstances, it has been held without exception by the Liberal Party (for 60 years) and the National Party (for 17 years),’ Ley continued.
‘The electorate has always been bigger than any one individual and has always been well-served by the Liberal Party.
Angus Taylor replaced Sussan Ley as Opposition Leader a fortnight ago after months of party in-fighting
‘The election of a Liberal member in the Farrer by-election is vital for the betterment and ongoing strength of our region and I know that Angus Taylor can and will ensure the party continues to enjoy the support, trust and confidence of the people of Farrer.’
It’s understood Ley left $250,000 in campaign accounts to help the new Liberal candidate retain the seat.
One senior Liberal source claimed that Ley had not been heard from since the leadership spill a fortnight ago and had not reached out to any of the local party membership.
Ley added that she will not return for a valedictory speech when parliament resumes next week as she reflected on her time in politics.
‘I am confident that my efforts and achievements over 25 years will speak for themselves,’ she said.
‘I will be spending the next couple of weeks thanking the amazing people of Farrer and expressing my gratitude to them for the honour of representing them for 25 years.
‘I’m not sure what comes next for me. I look forward to stepping away completely and comprehensively from public life, to spend time with my family, to reconnect with my enduring passion, aviation, which taught me if I had an ego I’d be dead. It’s been quite useful in politics.’
