Latest Liberal leader faces ‘hardest job in politics’
The new Liberal leader faces the monumental task of healing a fractured party, developing sound policies and clinging to the seat left behind by Sussan Ley.
In his first press conference as opposition leader, Angus Taylor laid out his plan for the new direction of the Liberal Party under his and deputy opposition leader Jane Hume’s reins.
He has promised lower taxes, a focus on housing affordability and a tough stance on immigration.
“We must bring Australia back to a country where life is affordable, where our children can buy a house, where you can raise a family and… where we defend Australian values unapologetically, unapologetically,” Mr Taylor said after handily defeating Ms Ley in the leadership vote on Friday.
Political expert Zareh Ghazarian said Mr Taylor, who has held Hume’s seat for 13 years, had the “toughest job in politics” and that many issues needed to be addressed urgently.
“Number one is the party itself,” Dr Ghazarian told AAP.
“Having a unified party room that accommodates diverse views is a big challenge.
“There is also the question of reconciliation and having a more stable relationship with the National Party after it has broken up twice this year.”
Ms Ley announced her resignation from politics shortly after being sacked, triggering an eventual by-election for the NSW seat of Farrer.
Dr Ghazarian said the by-election presented a “potentially dangerous opening” for the Liberals.
“The test of leadership is usually at the ballot box and this will be (Mr. Taylor’s) first test,” he said.
“The Liberal Party will have to challenge the potential of One Nation and I think that will be very difficult.”
Ms Ley held the seat for 25 years, taking over from the National Party in 2001 following the retirement of former National leader Tim Fischer.
Opinion polls reveal growing support for One Nation; The latest Gazette poll shows the smaller party trailing the coalition with 29 percent primary vote support.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson posted a call on social media for “community-conscious locals” to throw their hats in the ring for the party.
Climate 200-backed independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe announced that she will object to Farrer again in the 2025 elections.
Ms Ley’s margin fell to 10.9 per cent in 2019 and 6.2 per cent in 2025 in contests against independents.
“At a time when people were clamoring for leadership, the coalition was consumed by its own infighting,” Ms Milthorpe said.
Independent state MP Helen Dalton, a former Shooters and Fishers Party member, said she would consider running for the seat.
While the Liberal Party was trying to improve its policies, Dr. Mr Ghazarian said Mr Taylor should adopt former prime minister John Howard’s approach of accommodating conservatives and moderates within the party.
“It should have a pragmatic element rather than being an ideological party,” he said.
“This will alleviate the divisions that have emerged and the sense that there are winners and losers within the party.”
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