Coalition Turmoil: Nationals Leader Faces Internal Challenge as Liberals Contemplate Spill
The Australian opposition is grappling with significant internal strife, as Nationals leader David Littleproud faces a challenge to his position while Liberal leader Sussan Ley’s future hangs in the balance, potentially triggering a spill as early as next week. The instability stems from the Nationals’ decision to withdraw from the Coalition agreement two weeks ago, a move that has emboldened factions within the Liberal party to seek an alternative to Ms. Ley.
Nationals Leadership Challenge Looms
David Littleproud is widely anticipated to retain his leadership of the Nationals when a spill motion is brought forward by Flynn MP Colin Boyce on Monday afternoon. Despite announcing the challenge last week, Mr. Boyce conceded to the ABC that Mr. Littleproud is expected to “comprehensively win” the ballot, though he hopes to spark a conversation about the party’s direction and a potential reunification with the Liberals. “This has never been about me being the leader of the National Party,” Mr. Boyce stated, emphasizing his goal of prompting colleagues to reconsider the current course.
Liberal Party on the Brink of a Spill
The situation is far more precarious for Liberal leader Sussan Ley. While a challenge during Tuesday’s party meeting is not currently anticipated, with more than a dozen MPs and senators indicating they do not expect a move against her, supporters of Angus Taylor are actively positioning themselves for a potential spill in the second week of parliamentary sittings. Mr. Taylor’s camp believes that upcoming polling data, expected to reveal poor results for the Liberals, will galvanize support for a leadership change. “Sussan’s biggest problem is polling,” a conservative Liberal source revealed. “It will be terrible and that will affect colleagues’ sentiment.”
Hastie Steps Aside, Taylor Gains Momentum
Adding to the complexity, West Australian backbencher Andrew Hastie had previously signaled his leadership ambitions but announced on Friday he would not challenge Ms. Ley this week, potentially clearing a path for Mr. Taylor. However, Ms. Ley’s allies remain skeptical of claims that her support is waning, pointing to her narrow victory over Mr. Taylor just nine months ago (25-29). A moderate Liberal described support for Ms. Ley as “rock solid,” asserting that members would continue to back her “so long as Sussan’s name is on the ballot.”
Internal Divisions and Accusations
The maneuvering within the Liberal party has not been without friction. Moderates have expressed anger over a recent meeting involving Mr. Hastie and Mr. Taylor, which occurred on the same day as a memorial service for former colleague Katie Allen. “That was utterly appalling,” one Liberal commented. Furthermore, questions remain about the unity of the Liberal right, with some suggesting not all who initially favored Mr. Hastie are fully aligned with Mr. Taylor’s bid.
Coalition Reunion Hinges on Frontbench Reinstatement
The Nationals have proposed a potential pathway to reconciliation with the Liberals, contingent on the reinstatement of three senior Nationals – Bridget McKenzie, Ross Caddell, and Susan McDonald – to the shadow cabinet. These senators were previously removed for breaching shadow cabinet solidarity. However, this proposal faces strong opposition from within the Liberal party. A conservative Liberal warned that reinstating the three Nationals would likely trigger an immediate spill, stating, “No one would accept leniency toward the Nationals on shadow cabinet solidarity.”
Ms. Ley has sought a meeting with Mr. Littleproud to discuss these issues, but has also issued an ultimatum: if the Nationals do not return to the Coalition by the end of the week, she will permanently appoint Liberals to fill their frontbench positions. Mr. Littleproud initially resisted a meeting, prioritizing the internal leadership challenge, but later indicated he would be open to discussions after Monday’s spill.
Liberal deputy leader Ted O’Brien has suggested the Liberal Party could function effectively in opposition alone, but acknowledged the party is “at its best” when in coalition with the Nationals. Senior moderate Liberal senator Anne Ruston expressed a desire to see the Coalition resume, but dismissed the notion that the Liberals require the Nationals to form a government.
Labor Criticizes Coalition Chaos
The opposition’s internal struggles have drawn criticism from the governing Labor party. Health Minister Mark Butler labeled the situation a “shambles,” questioning how Mr. Taylor could continue to serve in Ms. Ley’s shadow cabinet amidst the turmoil.
Abbott Weighs In
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has also intervened, urging conservative Liberals to unite behind either Angus Taylor or Andrew Hastie in their efforts to unseat Ms. Ley. He criticized Mr. Taylor for “pretending to be a shadow minister while plotting against his leader.” Senator Jonno Duniam, a senior right-wing member, defended his participation in a meeting with Mr. Hastie, stating his support for Ms. Ley and explaining his actions as an attempt to support a close friend.
The coming days promise to be pivotal for both the Nationals and the Liberals, as they navigate internal challenges and attempt to chart a course forward amidst a backdrop of political uncertainty.
