(canberra, January 26, 2026) – Leadership tensions are rising within the Australian Liberal Party as several figures are positioning themselves for a potential challenge to current leader Sussan Ley, with both Taylor and Hastie reportedly considering bids.
Several Liberal Party members are weighing potential leadership challenges amid reported dissatisfaction with the current direction of the party.
- Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley is facing increasing scrutiny and potential challenges.
- Angus Taylor has not ruled out a leadership challenge, according to reports.
- Hastie has received a family blessing to enter the leadership race, according to The Australian.
- Moderate Liberals remain supportive of Ley, but some express concerns about a potential spill.
Angus Taylor has not ruled out a challenge to Sussan Ley’s leadership, the canberratimes.com.au reported. The Australian reported that Hastie has received a family blessing to enter the Liberal leadership race.
Leadership Contenders Emerge
According to The Australian, both Taylor and hastie are being discussed as potential successors to Ley. Taylor’s willingness to contest the leadership comes as Ley faces internal pressure, though she continues to receive “rock solid” support from moderate Liberals, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The Australian reported that moderate Liberals believe a spill would “reward Littleproud’s ‘bastardry'”, suggesting internal divisions and strategic considerations within the party.
Moderate Support for Ley
Despite the emerging challenges, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that moderate Liberals are currently united in their support for Ley. Though, the possibility of a spill remains a concern for some within the party, as highlighted by the AFR report regarding Littleproud.
Hastie’s family has given him their blessing to pursue the leadership, The Australian reported, signaling a serious intention to contest the position should a vacancy arise. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already fluid leadership situation within the Liberal Party.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Australian, Australian Broadcasting corporation, canberratimes.com.au,and AFR and added autonomous analysis and context.
why is this happening? Leadership tensions are escalating within the Australian Liberal Party due to reported dissatisfaction with the current direction under Sussan Ley. Several members, including Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, are positioning themselves as potential successors.
Who is involved? Key players include current leader Sussan Ley, potential challengers Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, and figures like Littleproud whose actions are influencing internal strategy. Moderate Liberals are also a significant group, currently supporting Ley but wary of a spill.
What is the current situation? Sussan Ley is facing increasing scrutiny and potential leadership challenges. While she maintains “rock solid” support from moderate Liberals, Taylor and Hastie are being discussed as viable alternatives. A spill remains a possibility, fueled by internal divisions.
How did it end? as of January 26, 2026, the situation remains unresolved. No formal challenge has been launched, and Ley retains her leadership position. Though, the positioning of Taylor and Hastie, coupled with the threat of a spill, indicates ongoing instability and a potential for future action. The outcome will depend on internal party negotiations, public opinion, and any significant shifts in the political landscape.
