Angus Taylor Becomes Liberal Leader, Faces First Test in Farrer

Angus Taylor is now the leader of the Liberal Party. He won a vote against Sussan Ley. Ley will leave parliament, and a new election will happen in her area called Farrer. This election is an early test for Taylor.
By Newsroom | Politics, Australia |

Angus Taylor has ascended to the leadership of the Liberal Party, ousting Sussan Ley in a decisive partyroom ballot. His tenure begins with the considerable challenge of a looming by-election in Farrer, the seat formerly held by Ley, who has announced her intention to resign from parliament. This contest is framed as the new leader's inaugural trial, potentially signaling the direction and public reception of his leadership.

Angus Taylor faces leadership test in Farrer byelection as independent vows to ‘finish what we started’ and oust Liberals - 1

Leadership Change and Ley's Departure

Following a period of internal party maneuvering, Angus Taylor secured the Liberal Party leadership by a margin of 34 votes to 17 against Sussan Ley. This outcome concluded Ley's nine-month term as the party's first female opposition leader.

Angus Taylor faces leadership test in Farrer byelection as independent vows to ‘finish what we started’ and oust Liberals - 2

  • Taylor's Election: The ballot results indicate a clear preference for Taylor within the Liberal Party room. He was the preferred candidate of the party's right faction.

  • Ley's Announcement: Shortly after the leadership decision, Sussan Ley declared her impending resignation from her seat of Farrer. This move, according to reports, is intended to provide the new leader with a "clear air" and distance his early days in the role from his predecessor.

  • By-election Triggered: Ley's resignation directly triggers a by-election in her western New South Wales electorate of Farrer. This contest is anticipated to occur around the same time as the May budget and Taylor's budget-in-reply speech.

Taylor's Vision and Policy Focus

In his initial statements as leader, Angus Taylor outlined a forward-looking vision for the Liberal Party, with a pronounced emphasis on immigration policy.

Read More: Sharad Pawar Leaves Pune Hospital After Chest Infection Treatment

Angus Taylor faces leadership test in Farrer byelection as independent vows to ‘finish what we started’ and oust Liberals - 3

  • Immigration as a Key Issue: Taylor has signaled a commitment to tougher immigration policies. While his specific proposals remain undefined, this stance appears to be a deliberate point of focus for his leadership.

  • Contrasting Narratives: This focus on immigration appears to diverge from historical narratives within the Liberal Party. Taylor himself has recounted his grandfather's role in facilitating the immigration of thousands of European refugees, a point that commentators have juxtaposed with his current policy pronouncements.

  • Party's Core Appeal: Taylor has stated that the Liberal Party remains the nation's "best hope of better government." His leadership aims to reboot the Liberal brand.

The Farrer By-election: An Immediate Test

The by-election in Farrer is viewed as a critical early assessment of Taylor's leadership and the Liberal Party's current standing.

Angus Taylor faces leadership test in Farrer byelection as independent vows to ‘finish what we started’ and oust Liberals - 4

  • Legitimacy Questioned: Some analyses suggest that the by-election will serve as a "dangerous referendum on their legitimacy" for the new leadership team.

  • Independent Candidate's Stance: Reports indicate the presence of an independent candidate vowing to "finish what we started" and oust the Liberals from the Farrer seat. This suggests a potentially competitive electoral environment.

  • Timing of the Contest: The by-election's timing, potentially coinciding with significant economic announcements and Taylor's reply to the budget, could amplify its impact and scrutiny.

Internal Party Dynamics

The leadership transition involved key figures within the Liberal Party, with Jane Hume appointed as deputy leader.

Read More: Australian Wool Prices Go Up Before Chinese New Year Break

  • Hume's Appointment: Jane Hume was elected deputy leader, replacing Ted O'Brien, in a vote of 30 to 20. Hume, described as a moderate, and Taylor, a conservative, represent a factional and gender balance in the new leadership duo.

  • Support Networks: Ley entered the leadership meeting with a group of supporting senators and members, including figures like Andrew Bragg, Andrew McLachlan, and Melissa Price.

  • External Endorsements: Former Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott have publicly supported Taylor and Hume in their new roles.

Expert and Media Commentary

Commentary surrounding Taylor's ascension highlights both potential advantages and significant hurdles.

  • Unknown Factor: It has been noted that a substantial portion of the electorate, estimated at 35%, may not be familiar with Angus Taylor, which could be framed as a strategic advantage or a challenge to overcome.

  • Leadership Comparisons: Taylor's first press conference featured four Australian flags, a visual choice contrasted with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's tendency to prominently display the Aboriginal flag, and with Ley's previous practice of using only two flags.

  • Pessimistic Views: Some commentators express skepticism about Taylor's ability to lead the Liberal Party to electoral victory, with one reference suggesting that even Tony Abbott might privately harbor doubts. The sentiment that the Liberal Party is "still a dead horse" has also been voiced.

Read More: Trump Uses Stronger Words and Attacks More

Sources Used:

Read More: Elderly Man Taken From Sydney Home by Mistake

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new Liberal Party leader?
Angus Taylor is the new leader of the Liberal Party. He won a vote to become leader.
Q: Why is there a by-election in Farrer?
Sussan Ley, who used to lead the Liberal Party, is leaving parliament. Her leaving means there will be a new election in her area, Farrer.
Q: When will the Farrer by-election happen?
The election in Farrer is expected to happen around the same time as the May budget.
Q: What is Angus Taylor's main focus?
Angus Taylor wants to focus on immigration policy. He plans to have tougher rules for people coming into the country.
Q: Who is the new deputy leader?
Jane Hume is the new deputy leader of the Liberal Party. She was chosen after a vote.