Key Takeaways
- Tony Abbott is positioning himself for the Liberal Party presidency, with strong backing from the party’s conservative faction and leader Peter Dutton’s ally Angus Taylor.
- Former Liberal leader Alexander Downer has criticised Abbott’s bid, arguing the presidency should be administrative, not a platform for policy advocacy.
- Conservatives claim they have secured roughly 70 of the 113 Federal Council votes needed for Abbott’s victory, while moderates are expected to support Downer but remain unwilling to speak publicly.
- Supporters believe Abbott’s energy, fundraising experience and mentorship could revitalise a party losing members, money and volunteers to One Nation.
- Critics warn Abbott’s high media profile could turn the presidency into a “shadow opposition” role, pulling the party further right and overshadowing the elected leader.
- The upcoming vote coincides with a leadership vacuum: the party must appoint a new federal director after Andrew Hirst’s departure and faces a challenging byelection in the regional seat of Farrer.
- Labor MPs have welcomed the prospect, likening it to appointing Paul Keating as Labor president, while some moderate Coalition MPs see both risk and reform potential in Abbott’s candidacy.
Background and Context
Former Liberal leader Alexander Downer has taken a pointed swipe at Tony Abbott’s bid to become the Liberal Party’s president, suggesting that Abbott might use the largely administrative role to push conservative causes. Downer made the remarks on Sky News, emphasizing that the presidency is not a policy‑making position and stating he would not pursue particular agendas if elected. His comments come amid growing speculation that Abbott, the former prime minister, will contest the upcoming party presidency vote at the end of the month. The controversy underscores a deeper ideological split within the Liberal Party between its conservative base and a more moderate wing wary of Abbott’s polarising reputation.
Support for Abbott within the Federal Council
Insiders close to the party’s 113‑person Federal Council report that the conservative faction has already secured about 70 votes in Abbott’s favour, giving him a decisive edge ahead of the ballot. Angus Taylor, a senior Liberal figure and ally of party leader Peter Dutton, has publicly backed Abbott, arguing that his return would inject much‑needed energy and ideas into a party that is losing votes, money and volunteers to the rising One Nation movement. Taylor’s endorsement is considered crucial because the party leader’s approval often sway undecided moderates, further bolstering Abbott’s prospects of winning the presidency outright.
Moderate Opposition and Downer’s Position
While moderates within the party are expected to rally behind Alexander Downer, none have been willing to speak on the record when approached by journalists. Downer, who served as foreign minister under John Howard, has never been closely aligned with either faction but is viewed by moderates as a safer, less ideological alternative to Abbott. Howard himself has declined to take sides, stating that both men would do an excellent job and that he remains neutral. This reluctance among moderates to publicly back Downer highlights the tension and caution surrounding the leadership contest, as many fear alienating the party’s powerful conservative bloc.
Implications of Abbott’s Presidency
Critics warn that Abbott’s high media profile could effectively turn the presidency into a shadow opposition role, whereby his public statements would be perceived as official Liberal Party policy. One Coalition MP cautioned that Abbott would “be the shadow opposition leader,” potentially eclipsing the elected leader and pulling the party further to the right in an effort to capture One Nation voters. Another observer noted Abbott’s recent calls for Australia to send forces to the Middle East to support the US and Israel in their conflict with Iran, suggesting that his presidential platform could be used to advocate specific foreign‑policy positions that may not align with the broader party line.
Potential Benefits According to Supporters
Proponents of Abbott’s candidacy argue that his extensive experience as a fundraiser, mentor and campaigner could revitalise a struggling organisation. Henry Pike, a conservative faction operative, described Abbott as a “tireless servant of the party” who has spent years travelling the country to encourage and back the next generation of candidates. Pike contends that the party’s “darkest hour” demands Abbott’s discipline, drive and network to restore organisational fitness. Supporters also believe that Abbott’s return could stimulate internal reform, bringing fresh ideas and vigor to a party that has been losing ground to both Labor and minor right‑wing parties.
Broader Party Challenges
The presidential vote occurs amid a period of significant upheaval for the Liberal Party. Long‑serving federal director Andrew Hirst has announced his intention to step down, meaning the incoming president will be responsible for appointing a new chief executive who oversees day‑to‑day operations and strategy. Simultaneously, the Coalition is bracing for a potentially poor result in the upcoming byelection for the regional seat of Farrer, which was previously held by former opposition leader Sussan Ley. These challenges heighten the stakes of the presidency contest, as the winner will need to navigate both internal party dynamics and external electoral pressures.
Labor and Cross‑Partisan Reactions
Labor MPs have greeted the prospect of Abbott’s Liberal presidency with enthusiasm, likening it to appointing Paul Keating as Labor president—a move they suggest would energise the opposition and highlight ideological contrasts. One senior Labor minister remarked that the scenario would be “like us appointing Paul Keating as Labor president,” indicating they view Abbott’s potential leadership as a boon for their own electoral prospects. Meanwhile, some moderate Coalition MPs acknowledge both the upside of Abbott’s reform‑driven energy and the downside of his divisive persona, reflecting a broader uncertainty about whether his presidency would unite or further fracture the party.
Conclusion and Outlook
As the Liberal Party prepares to vote on its next president, the contest between Tony Abbott and Alexander Downer encapsulates a struggle over the party’s ideological direction and organisational health. Abbott’s strong conservative backing and promise of revitalisation clash with concerns that his candidacy could turn the presidency into a policy platform and deepen internal divisions. Downer’s call for an administratively focused role offers a moderate alternative, though his lack of public endorsement from party officials leaves his support somewhat uncertain. The outcome will not only shape the party’s immediate leadership but also influence its ability to confront electoral challenges, appoint a new federal director, and respond to the rise of One Nation in the coming months.