Sussan Ley Announces Immediate Resignation from Parliament After 25 Years
Former Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley has formally resigned from federal parliament, leaving her successor Angus Taylor with his first major test as leader of the opposition. Ley announced on Friday morning that she would not return to parliament for a final speech and would instead leave politics immediately.
Her resignation comes after 25 years as the representative for the seat of Farrer in southwest New South Wales, and just two weeks after she was ousted by Taylor in a 34-17 vote among Liberal MPs. Ley expressed confidence that her efforts and achievements over a quarter-century would speak for themselves.
Historic Leadership and Milestones for Women in Politics
Ley became the first woman to lead the Liberal Party and the first woman to lead an opposition following a disastrous 2025 federal election. Reflecting on her tenure, she stated, "After the Liberal Party suffered our worst defeat in 81 years, it was with gratitude and humility that I took on the role of leader of our party."
She emphasized the significance of her election as a milestone for all women, saying, "I believe my election as the first woman to ever lead not just the federal Liberal Party, but any federal opposition, is a milestone for all women to be proud of. I hope I have paved the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed in, both these roles."
Transforming Farrer and Gratitude to Constituents
Ley turned the once-National stronghold of Farrer into a Liberal Party safe seat for a quarter-century. In her resignation statement, she spent considerable time thanking her constituents, recalling her early days campaigning while living in a caravan and working in shearing sheds along the Murray River.
"I became attached to the landscapes and lifestyles of this part of Australia and was never prouder than when speaking up for our communities in the national parliament," she said. Ley highlighted the resilience of farming families battling fires, dust storms, drought, and low irrigation allocations, as well as the contributions of small business owners and local volunteers.
First Major Challenge for New Leader Angus Taylor
Ley's resignation will now trigger a hotly contested byelection for Farrer, with both the Nationals and One Nation already announcing they will challenge the Liberals for the seat. This election represents the first significant challenge for Taylor's young leadership, alongside deputy Jane Hume.
Recent polling by Roy Morgan shows the Coalition sitting at just 24 per cent support of primary votes. Taylor's election as leader helped spur a five per cent rise for the Coalition, while One Nation's surge in the polls dropped slightly to 20.5 per cent. However, defending Farrer is only the first step, as the Coalition trails Labor by 10 points in a two-party preferred vote.
Ley's Support for Successor Despite Ousting
Despite being ousted by Taylor as leader, Ley firmly placed her support behind her successor. She stated, "The election of a Liberal member in the Farrer byelection is vital for the betterment and ongoing strength of our region, and I know that Angus Taylor can and will ensure the party continues to enjoy the support, trust, and confidence of the people of Farrer."
This endorsement underscores the high stakes of the upcoming byelection, which will test Taylor's ability to maintain Liberal control in a traditionally strong seat while facing challenges from rival parties in a politically volatile climate.
