Feb 13 β€’ 01:29 UTC πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί Australia ABC News AU

Angus Taylor just got an unwelcome parting gift from the leader he deposed

Angus Taylor faces his first electoral test as Liberal leader with a looming by-election in Farrer, triggered by the resignation of former leader Sussan Ley.

Angus Taylor, newly elected as the leader of the Liberal Party in Australia, has immediately been faced with a significant electoral challenge stemming from the resignation of Sussan Ley, his predecessor. Ley, who has announced her intention to step down as the member for Farrer, will trigger a by-election shortly, presenting Taylor with an early test of his leadership as he must navigate the implications of this decision. This situation places added pressure on Taylor to consolidate his position and demonstrate electoral viability right from the outset of his tenure.

Sussan Ley's leadership was notably short-lived, being one of the briefest in the history of the federal Liberal Party, and her upcoming resignation marks a shift in Farrer, a major electorate in western New South Wales that she has represented for numerous terms. Her long-standing presence as a member contrasts sharply with her fleeting leadership experience, showcasing the instability within the party. The departure of Ley, who has a historical connection to prominent figures in Australian politics, draws attention to the ongoing challenges faced by the Liberal Party.

The Farrer by-election will have implications not just for Taylor but for the Coalition parties as a whole. Given the electorate's history and previous leadership held by notable political figures, the outcome of this by-election could signal the strength of the Liberal Party under Taylor's leadership. The internal dynamics within the party and the potential for voter sentiment to shift in response to Ley's departure will be critical in determining the future stability and direction of the Liberal Party in Australia.

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