Key Takeaways
- Former prime minister Tony Abbott has intervened in the Liberal leadership race, urging conservatives to unite behind either Angus Taylor or Andrew Hastie.
- The Nationals are facing an imminent leadership spill, with Colin Boyce set to challenge David Littleproud’s leadership when parliament returns next week.
- There are growing calls for a Coalition reunion, with some Liberals arguing that time apart from the Nationals will ultimately help their brand.
- Sussan Ley’s leadership is under threat, with some Liberals feeling "squeamish" about taking the first step and calling for a leadership spill.
Introduction to the Leadership Crisis
The Liberal Party is currently facing a leadership crisis, with former prime minister Tony Abbott intervening in the race to urge conservatives to unite behind either Angus Taylor or Andrew Hastie. Both Mr. Taylor and Mr. Hastie are vying for the top job, and several Liberal sources have told the ABC that the two men are dealing directly to hash out an agreement. However, at this stage, neither is willing to yield. The intervention by Mr. Abbott is being seen by some as an extension of a long-running fight for the future of the Liberal Party, which is currently at its lowest ebb.
The Nationals’ Leadership Spill
The focus has shifted to Nationals leader David Littleproud, who is facing an imminent threat to his leadership. Queensland National Colin Boyce has revealed that he will call for a leadership spill when parliament returns next week, arguing that Mr. Littleproud has made some bad decisions recently, including splitting from the Liberals. Mr. Boyce believes that the National Party is committing political suicide by removing itself from the Coalition and that if they go it alone to the next election, they won’t have any resources, travel entitlements, or devoted staff. The Nationals’ leadership spill is likely to have significant implications for the future of the party and its relationship with the Liberals.
The Liberal Leadership Challenge
Liberal leader Sussan Ley is facing a leadership challenge from either Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor. The momentum for a leadership spill had initially stalled, but it is expected to pick up again when parliament returns next week. Liberal sources have noted that next week’s opinion polls could prove decisive for Ms. Ley, and that her days as leader still appear to be numbered. However, moderates within the party are maintaining their support for Ms. Ley, warning their colleagues that it would be "unseemly and stupid" to dump the party’s first female leader for a Coalition implosion that was not of her making.
The Future of the Coalition
The Coalition is facing a significant challenge in the wake of the Nationals’ decision to quit Ms. Ley’s shadow ministry and the Coalition. Some Liberals argue that time apart from the Nationals will ultimately help their brand, but more traditional Coalitionists are working towards a reunion. Liberal Dan Tehan is taking tentative steps towards a reunion, arguing that there is no way the parties can operate as an effective opposition, let alone alternative government, while they are apart. However, given the level of anger towards the Nationals, it is difficult to see how the two parties could reunite while both Mr. Littleproud and Ms. Ley remain as leaders.
The Road Ahead
The Liberals will hold their usual party room meeting early next week, presenting the first chance for those agitating for change to call for a leadership spill and mount a challenge. Anyone can call for a spill, but it would need 26 votes to succeed in a 51-member party room. The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Liberal Party and the Nationals are facing significant challenges that will have far-reaching implications for the future of Australian politics. As one Liberal source noted, "We can all see where this is going," but it remains to be seen how the parties will navigate the treacherous waters ahead.