Sussan Ley elected first female Liberal party leader and leaves possibility open of Coalition abandoning net zero targets
GuardianMAY 26
Australia: Sussan Ley Becomes First Female Liberal Party Leader
Above: Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley speaks at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on May 13, 2025. Image copyright: Hilary Wardhaugh/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Liberal/National Coalition narrative
Sussan Ley’s election as the leader signals a new beginning for the Liberal Party of Australia. After a disappointing election defeat, Ley is right that the party needs to reflect Australia’s modern values, views, and needs, and that collective decision-making is the best way to do so. While returning to government will be difficult, Ley’s political experience and collaborative approach will ensure that the Liberal Party has the best shot of getting Australia back on track.
Australian Labor Party narrative
The recent Liberal leadership election was the battle of the duds. Ley and O’Brien were two of the opposition’s worst performers in the last three years, with only Peter Dutton proving worse, pushing policies that nobody wants and serve no one's interests. The party room vote shows that the Liberals have learned nothing from their election drumming and will remain the party for low wages, unaffordable nuclear theatrics, and higher taxes.