Angus Taylor has been elected the new leader of the Liberal Party, securing a decisive 34–17 victory in a dramatic party room ballot that has reshaped the Opposition’s leadership.
The leadership spill motion itself succeeded by 33 votes to 17, with one abstention, paving the way for a formal contest between Taylor and the incumbent leader, Sussan Ley.
As anticipated, the pair were the only candidates to nominate, despite earlier speculation that a third contender might emerge or that Ley might opt not to recontest.
Ley, who made history as the first female leader of the Liberal Party, has now been deposed after losing the ballot by a wider margin than many had predicted only days earlier. The 34–17 result marks a significant consolidation of support behind Taylor within the party room and signals a clear appetite for change among Liberal MPs.
The size of the victory has surprised political observers, with expectations earlier in the week pointing to a much tighter contest. Instead, Taylor secured a commanding majority, underlining a shift in internal momentum.
While the leadership ballot was swift and decisive, the contest for deputy leader proved far more protracted, requiring multiple rounds of voting.
Victorian senator Jane Hume has been elected deputy Liberal leader after prevailing over incumbent deputy Ted O’Brien in the final round, winning 30 votes to 20.
Taylor’s elevation marks a new chapter for the Liberal Party as it recalibrates its strategy and direction in opposition. More details are expected to emerge following the conclusion of the deputy leadership vote and the formal announcement of the party’s new frontbench lineup.
Source: ABC News
