Byline:
BlogHear.com | 13 May 2025
CANBERRA — In a historic leadership shakeup, Australia’s Liberal Party has elected Sussan Ley as its first female leader, replacing Peter Dutton following the party’s devastating loss in the 3 May federal election.
Ley, a senior figure from the party’s moderate faction, narrowly defeated Angus Taylor—who campaigned on reinstating conservative values—by just four votes. The leadership change comes as the Liberal-National Coalition grapples with what many political analysts are calling its worst electoral defeat in history.
Following the leadership vote, Ley vowed to rebuild the party’s fractured image and restore its connection with Australians—particularly women and young voters, key demographics that contributed to the Coalition’s downfall.
“We have to have a Liberal Party that respects, reflects, and represents modern Australia,” Ley said at a press conference.
“We must meet the people where they are.”
Coalition Faces Crushing Loss
The 2025 federal election resulted in a landslide victory for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party, which secured at least 93 seats—an increase of 16—while the Liberal-National Coalition was reduced to 42 seats from its previous 58. Some electorates remain undecided.
The Liberal campaign was widely criticized as chaotic, with polarizing leadership and divisive policies—including controversial nuclear energy proposals—drawing comparisons to “Trumpian” politics. These elements, critics say, alienated key voter blocs.
Ley confirmed the party will undertake a full review of the election outcome and its policies, including nuclear energy and climate targets.
“There will be no captain’s calls from me. We will work through every policy issue carefully and collaboratively,” she said.
A New Era in Party Leadership
Ted O’Brien, formerly the Coalition’s energy spokesperson, was elected deputy leader. Ley had previously served as deputy to Peter Dutton.
Meanwhile, the junior Coalition partner, the Nationals, re-elected David Littleproud as their leader on Monday.
Ley’s Diverse Background
Born in Nigeria and raised in the UAE before moving to Australia at age 13, Ley has had a diverse and unconventional path to politics. She has degrees in economics and accounting, once worked mustering cattle in the outback, and holds a commercial pilot’s license.
Elected to Parliament in 2001, she has held key portfolios including health and environment. In 2014, she was appointed Health Minister but resigned two years later following a travel expenses controversy. She returned to the frontbench in 2019 under then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
As Environment Minister, Ley faced legal action over the government’s climate responsibilities, and she’s been vocal on international issues, including Palestinian rights—though some colleagues say she has since shifted her stance on Israel.
Labor Government Sworn In
The Labor government’s new cabinet was sworn in Tuesday, with key changes including Tanya Plibersek moving to social services and Michelle Rowland becoming Attorney General. Ed Husic and Mark Dreyfus, both former ministers, were removed from the frontbench.
Prime Minister Albanese said the new cabinet reflects strong capability and balance.
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