Feb 9 • 03:42 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Angus Taylor supporters expect him to challenge Sussan Ley for Liberal leadership within days

Angus Taylor is anticipated to challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership shortly amid declining poll numbers for the Coalition.

Angus Taylor's supporters are gearing up for a leadership challenge against Sussan Ley in the Liberal Party, prompted by alarming poll results that reveal a steep drop in the Coalition's support. The latest Newspoll indicates the Coalition's primary vote has plummeted to a historical low of 18%, a position significantly trailing behind Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party. As a result, conservative members within the party argue that a change in leadership is imperative to reset the party's trajectory and regain public confidence.

While the exact timing of the leadership vote remains uncertain, conversations among Liberal MPs suggest that Taylor's challenge could occur this week, particularly as a special meeting is planned either Thursday night or Friday morning. The standard party room meeting scheduled for Tuesday is unlikely to feature a leadership spill due to Liberal senators’ commitments to estimates hearings. This tactical consideration underscores the tension within the party as members on both sides weigh the implications of a leadership change in the context of the looming elections.

Sussan Ley, the current opposition leader, responded defiantly to inquiries about her leadership security, asserting that she believes her position is safe and not anticipating a spill in the immediate future. Ley's allies, including frontbencher Alex Hawke, echo her sentiments, creating a palpable sense of rivalry among the factions of the party. This unfolding situation highlights the internal strife and potential upheaval within the Liberal Party, as they navigate their way out of significant electoral challenges and aim to restore their standing in Australian politics.

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