Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has issued a stern warning to the newly elected leader of the Coalition, Angus Taylor, urging him to ensure that the Liberal Party maintains its foundational Judeo-Christian values and does not evolve into a 'One Nation-lite' party. Abbott's warning comes as the party is facing significant challenges, including lagging polling figures that show the Coalition trailing behind the governing Labor Party as well as One Nation. He suggests that Taylor has the potential to reverse this trend but must be cautious not to dilute the party's identity in the process.

During a partyroom meeting, Angus Taylor secured his leadership with a decisive 34 votes against 17, following calls for change within the Coalition. This leadership change occurs at a critical juncture for the party, signaling a need for renewed direction, particularly as the party grapples with its standing in the political landscape. Abbott's remarks emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong stance on immigration and core party values, suggesting that these are essential to realigning the party's appeal to its base.

Abbott's comments also underline a transformation within One Nation, indicating that the party led by Pauline Hanson today is significantly different from its earlier iterations in the late 1990s. He believes that it has become more moderate over time, which adds complexity to the political dynamics facing the Liberal Party. The warning serves as a crucial advisory for Taylor, as the pressure mounts on him to revive the Coalition's fortunes while navigating its ideological core amidst rising competition from parties like One Nation.