The Coalition split is the Nationals vetoing Sussan Ley

The recent splits between the Liberal Party and the National Party, which culminated in the National Party ending the Coalition this morning, reminded me of the long history of the smaller conservative Coalition partner exerting influence over the leadership of the larger party.

While the focus is on one specific piece of legislation, there are much deeper implications for Sussan Ley’s leadership. With the Liberal Party deeply divided, part of the problem appears to be that Ley has avoided holding a joint party room meeting where his rivals could have a majority.