New Liberal Leader Angus Taylor Faces Early Test in Farrer By-election

A by-election is happening in Farrer because Sussan Ley has resigned. This is an early test for Angus Taylor, the new Liberal leader. The result will show how people feel about his leadership.
By Newsroom | Politics, Australia |

The upcoming by-election in the Farrer electorate marks a significant early challenge for Angus Taylor, the new Liberal leader. Triggered by the resignation of Sussan Ley, the contest is poised to gauge public sentiment towards the Liberal Party under Taylor's direction, particularly given recent internal party shifts and polling trends. The outcome could shape perceptions of his leadership and the party's strategic direction in the period leading up to the next federal election.

Context: A Resignation and a Race

Sussan Ley, the long-serving Liberal member for Farrer, has announced her intention to resign, initiating a by-election in her substantial western New South Wales seat. This move follows a period of internal party contention, including a recent leadership challenge that saw Angus Taylor assume the leadership from Ley. The timing of Ley's departure creates an immediate electoral hurdle for Taylor, testing his ability to unite the party and secure a victory in a seat previously held comfortably by the Coalition. The Coalition's "charmed run" in Farrer may face disruption, with other parties, such as One Nation, indicating their intention to contest the seat.

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

  • Sussan Ley's resignation triggers a by-election in Farrer.

  • Angus Taylor recently became the new Liberal leader, succeeding Ley.

  • The by-election is seen as a test of Taylor's leadership.

  • Internal party dynamics and recent polling data are influencing the political landscape.

The Stakes for Taylor

The Farrer by-election presents a crucial opportunity for Angus Taylor to demonstrate his capacity to lead the Liberal Party effectively. His succession to the leadership was preceded by a period of internal debate and publicised dissatisfaction with the party's direction. This by-election will serve as an early referendum on his ability to not only win a seat but also to consolidate his position and influence within the party. The outcome could influence the party's morale and strategy.

"The conversation has moved on." - Michelle Milthorpe

  • The contest is an early test for Angus Taylor as leader.

  • Recent internal party strife may impact voter perception.

  • Taylor has approximately 18 months before the next federal election campaign.

Key Contenders and Alliances

While Angus Taylor faces the challenge of securing the Liberal Party's hold on Farrer, other political actors are also positioning themselves. Michelle Milthorpe, who previously ran second to Sussan Ley, has announced her intention to contest the by-election, aiming to "finish what we started" and focus on local issues. Milthorpe has indicated a willingness to accept donations from groups supporting climate action, including Climate 200. The precise composition of candidates from the Coalition parties (Liberals and Nationals) remains a point of discussion, with Taylor reportedly undecided on whether both parties will field candidates, a decision that could affect the dynamics of the race.

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

  • Michelle Milthorpe is running as an independent, vowing to focus on local issues.

  • She plans to accept donations from Climate 200.

  • The decision on whether Liberals and Nationals will field separate candidates is pending.

Internal Party Dynamics

The Farrer by-election is occurring in the wake of significant internal Liberal Party shifts. Angus Taylor's ascension to the leadership followed his resignation from the frontbench and a subsequent challenge to Sussan Ley. This period of transition and leadership contestation has introduced an element of internal friction, the ramifications of which may be felt at the ballot box. Ley's decision to step down was framed by some as providing a "clear air" for a new leader, though it simultaneously presents an immediate electoral challenge.

"Angus Taylor has achieved nothing as opposition defence spokesman." - Richard Marles (Defense Minister)

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  • Angus Taylor resigned from the frontbench to challenge Sussan Ley for leadership.

  • Ley and Taylor had previously contended for leadership, with Ley winning the earlier vote.

  • Taylor stated he could "no longer support her leadership."

Public Awareness and Political Strategy

With the federal election campaign potentially beginning in earnest in about 18 months, the Farrer by-election provides Angus Taylor with an opportunity to refine his party's strategy and address voter concerns. Notably, a significant portion of the electorate may not be familiar with Taylor himself, a factor that could be perceived as either a disadvantage or an advantage depending on strategic messaging. His recent public addresses have focused on the nation's economic situation, a theme likely to be central to his political platform. The relatively close margin in the previous contest for Farrer, coupled with reports of Ley's earlier supporters deserting her in a subsequent vote, suggests a potentially volatile electorate.

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

  • An estimated 35% of voters may not know who Angus Taylor is.

  • Taylor has been vocal on economic issues.

  • The previous Farrer election results showed a narrow margin between Ley and her challenger.

Expert Analysis

Political observers note that the Farrer by-election is a significant early test for Angus Taylor's leadership. The resignation of Sussan Ley, a former Liberal leader, has created a situation where the new leader must navigate not only the broader political landscape but also the specific electoral dynamics of Farrer. The contest is expected to be "messy," with multiple parties potentially vying for the seat. The need for Taylor to develop a clear strategy for regional issues has been highlighted as a crucial task.

"Taylor needs a strategy for these areas." - View from The Hill (The Conversation)

Conclusion: Navigating a Crucial By-election

The by-election in Farrer represents a pivotal moment for Angus Taylor, offering a tangible measure of his standing and the Liberal Party's appeal following his assumption of leadership. The contest is framed by Sussan Ley's resignation and the subsequent internal party maneuvers. With Michelle Milthorpe emerging as a strong independent challenger and other parties indicating their intent to compete, the election is anticipated to be closely watched. Taylor's strategic decisions regarding candidate selection and his focus on key issues such as the economy will be critical in determining the outcome and its broader implications for his leadership trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is there a by-election in Farrer?
Sussan Ley, the member for Farrer, has resigned from her position. This means a new election must be held for that seat.
Q: Is this important for Angus Taylor?
Yes, Angus Taylor is the new leader of the Liberal Party. This election is an early chance to see how people feel about his leadership.
Q: Who else is running?
Michelle Milthorpe is running as an independent candidate. Other parties may also put forward candidates.
Q: What is at stake for Taylor?
Taylor needs to show he can lead the party well. Winning this seat will help him show strength as the new leader.