Key Takeaways:
- The Liberal Party is facing a leadership crisis with Sussan Ley’s position under threat from Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor
- The two contenders have different backgrounds and approaches, with Taylor being a more conventional economic "dry" and Hastie being more socially conservative
- The party is struggling to connect with female voters and is conflicted about its stance on issues such as work-from-home and government spending
- The Liberals’ natural positioning as a party that supports smaller government and reduced public spending is at odds with the current voter desire for big government and increased services
- The party’s leadership candidates are not well-suited to the current political circumstances, and there is no sign of change on the horizon
Introduction to the Leadership Crisis
The Liberal Party is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, with Sussan Ley’s position under threat from two contenders: Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor. The two men met recently to discuss their rival ambitions, and the meeting was widely publicized. This move was seen as insensitive and disrespectful to Ley, given that key attendees were her supposedly loyal frontbenchers. The discussion ultimately came to no resolution, and more wrangling will be needed to determine the party’s future leadership.
The Contenders: Taylor and Hastie
The two contenders for the leadership position have distinct backgrounds and approaches. Taylor, who entered parliament in 2013, was hailed as a future leadership prospect due to his impressive CV, which includes a university medal for economics, a Rhodes scholarship, and a successful business career. However, his performance as shadow treasurer was considered mediocre, and he had trouble landing blows against treasurer Jim Chalmers. Hastie, on the other hand, has a military background, having served as a captain in the Special Air Service Regiment. He entered parliament in 2015 and has been a firecracker, elevating his profile through social media and taking provocative stances on issues such as immigration.
Comparison of the Contenders
The two contenders have different strengths and weaknesses. Taylor is a conventional economic "dry" with extensive knowledge of economics and business, while Hastie is more socially conservative and has shown a sentimental streak, such as in his lament for the demise of the Australian car industry. Hastie is attracting the support of impatient younger members of the party, who want generational change, while Taylor’s critics say he has a "born to rule" attitude. Ultimately, neither contender shows much prospect of being a good fit for the opposition’s top job in present circumstances.
The Challenges Facing the Liberal Party
The Liberal Party is facing significant challenges, including the need to unlock the women’s vote from Labor and to adapt to the public’s current attitude to what "government" should do and provide. The party’s natural positioning as a supporter of smaller government and reduced public spending is at odds with the current voter desire for big government and increased services. The party’s leadership candidates are not well-suited to the current political circumstances, and there is no sign of change on the horizon. The party’s inability to compete with Labor on issues such as child care, parental leave, and superannuation has made it difficult for them to connect with female voters.
The Need for Change
The Liberal Party needs to undergo significant changes in order to regain office. This includes adopting policies that appeal to female voters, such as improvements in child care and parental leave, and embracing a more nuanced approach to government spending. The party must also find a way to reconcile its natural positioning as a supporter of smaller government with the current voter desire for big government. Ultimately, the party’s leadership crisis is a symptom of a deeper problem, and it will require a fundamental shift in approach to resolve it. The party’s failure to adapt to changing circumstances has led to a sense of stagnation, and it is unclear whether the party will be able to overcome its current challenges and regain office.
