Sussan Ley defends leadership as Liberals and Nationals reel from Coalition split

Sussan Ley insists Liberal leadership candidates Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor are “strong, committed members” of her team as she defends her work as opposition leader amid division in the Coalition.

Just before 8 a.m., Today Host Sarah Abo asked Ley how he planned to govern if he could not lead the Coalition, and the Liberal leader said: “I have led and, respectfully, we have made real gains in everything we have done so far.”

He listed the opposition’s energy and immigration policies, its response to the Bondi terror attack and concerns about the cost of living as evidence of his leadership.

“I know it’s not the summer Labor wanted because as leader I held them accountable and stood there every day,” he said.

But presenter Karl Stefanovic soon asked: “How long until they stab you?”

Ley’s response was:

That’s a question for you to ask, of course, Karl.

But I have absolute confidence in the leadership I offer and the leadership I will provide. And the strength of the effort that my party and I make every day on behalf of the people, on behalf of the millions of Australians who sent us to Canberra.

Now I know there is speculation. And I know that leads to a lot of reporting. But the main thing here is the work of the opposition. And this is important. And this is important. And the government made mistakes. And when we hold them accountable like we do, they will continue to make mistakes.

Abo then asked: “Are you worried about Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor?”

Ley’s response was:

They are strong and determined members of my team. In fact, Angus, as part of my Liberal leadership group, called from abroad to express support for the actions we were taking.