Canberra – A leadership challenge is brewing within the Liberal Party, with support solidifying behind Angus Taylor to unseat current Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. The potential shift comes as several MPs abandon key shadow ministry positions, signaling growing discontent.
The challenge, set to unfold Friday, could dramatically reshape the party’s direction as Ley clings to leadership by a narrow margin.
- Queensland Senator James McGrath’s decision to back a leadership spill is widely seen as a pivotal moment, likely guaranteeing a vote.
- Several shadow ministers, including Jonno Duniam and James Paterson, have resigned to support Taylor’s bid.
- Liberal MPs are also vying for the deputy leadership position, with Ted O’Brien and Jane Hume confirmed candidates.
- Ley narrowly won the leadership ballot against Taylor in May, holding power by just two votes.
Q: Will Angus Taylor likely succeed in ousting Sussan Ley?
A: With Ley’s hold on the leadership precarious—supported by only two votes since the May ballot—even a small number of defections to Taylor could be enough to secure a victory.
McGrath’s Resignation Signals Momentum
Queensland Senator James McGrath confirmed his resignation in a statement on Thursday, February 13, 2026. “While I realise this news won’t please everyone, it is important that Australia has a strong and effective Opposition,” Senator McGrath said. He acknowledged the service of Sussan Ley as Leader of the Opposition and thanked her for the opportunity to serve in shadow cabinet.
James McGrath and Michaelia Cash both resigned from the shadow ministry on Thursday afternoon.
Fellow Ley supporter Paul Scarr, speaking on ABC Afternoon Briefing, conceded that Senator McGrath’s move represented a “shift.” “James [McGrath] is a very good friend of mine, he has given his heart and soul … I know he will be doing it in what he believes is the best interests of the party,” Scarr said. He added, “Whoever wins tomorrow I think it is going to be reasonably close.”
Earlier on Thursday, a wave of Liberal shadow ministers, including senior figures Jonno Duniam and James Paterson, announced their resignations, intending to support Taylor’s challenge. However, McGrath’s resignation marks the first defection from a known ally of Ley.
Deputy Leadership Race Heats Up
Liberal MPs are also privately discussing potential candidates for the deputy leadership. Moderate Tim Wilson, the only Liberal to secure a seat in the 2025 election, is reportedly gauging support, according to reports. However, only current deputy Ted O’Brien and backbencher Jane Hume have officially announced their candidacy for the contest scheduled for Friday morning.
Sussan Ley narrowly won the leadership ballot against Mr Taylor in May.
A meeting of the Liberal party room to discuss the leadership is scheduled for 9:00 AM on Friday, February 14, 2026. Sources within both the Ley and Taylor camps acknowledge that support for the conservative challenger, Taylor, is gaining traction, though a Ley supporter expressed confidence she would still receive a “good result.”
