Feb 12 • 08:20 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Liberal party on brink of dumping first female leader with Taylor’s backers confident of defeating Ley

The Liberal party in the UK is facing a leadership crisis as Angus Taylor's supporters push to replace the party's first female leader, Sussan Ley, ahead of a key vote.

The UK Liberal party is at a critical juncture as it approaches a leadership vote that could see the removal of its first female leader, Sussan Ley. The situation escalated with the resignation of 10 party members, including notable frontbenchers like Dan Tehan and Michaelia Cash, who have shifted their allegiance to Angus Taylor, signaling a strong conservative push for a leadership change. This internal strife reflects underlying tensions within the party regarding its direction and representation.

Angus Taylor announced his candidacy with a video posted to social media, following his unexpected resignation from the frontbench just a day prior. His supporters are rallying for a more conservative approach within the party, intending to reshape its policy direction and presentation to the public. Meanwhile, Ley has maintained a low profile amid the uproar, although she has accepted calls for a special meeting to address the leadership challenge, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

As the vote approaches, the dynamics within the Liberal party have become increasingly precarious. The outcome of this leadership contest could not only determine the future of Sussan Ley's leadership but also set the tone for the party’s strategy moving forward in a challenging political landscape. With a divided party and looming confidence from Taylor's faction, the implications of this vote may resonate far beyond the immediate leadership question, affecting the party's ability to unite and respond to public expectations in the future.

📡 Similar Coverage