Angus Taylor has officially announced his bid to lead the Liberal Party following a disastrous election that saw former leader Peter Dutton ousted from parliament entirely. In a statement released on Friday, May 9, 2025, Taylor emphasized the need for the party to regroup, rebuild, and get back into the political fight. He articulated a vision that includes bringing in more women and modernizing the party’s structure from the ground up.
"The party is at a crossroads," Taylor stated. "We must return to our core values around personal responsibility, national security, reward for effort, and a vibrant private sector." He acknowledged that significant reforms are necessary, asserting, "Policy isn’t enough. We also need to rebuild the Party itself." He expressed his commitment to fostering a campaign-like mentality within the party, with strong candidates, clearer messages, smarter strategies, and greater fundraising efforts.
Taylor, who has experience in both the private sector and government, believes that this moment requires not just experience but also energy, humility, and a clear plan for the future. He stated, "We must offer Australians something more than opposition. And that means being ready – not just to hold Labor to account, but to show that we’re fit to govern again." He added that many Australians currently feel uncertain about their circumstances and desire a government that understands their struggles.
As part of his leadership bid, Taylor is expected to nominate Country Liberal Party Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price as his deputy. Price's recent announcement on May 8 that she would defect from the National Party to join the Liberals has created significant waves within the Coalition. Taylor expressed his delight at her decision, tweeting, "Jacinta is a tireless advocate for Liberal values and a good friend. Jacinta will be another strong voice at a time the Liberal Party must rebuild."
However, not everyone in the Coalition is pleased with Price's move. Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie publicly criticized the Liberal Party for allegedly recruiting Price during the federal election campaign, labeling it as inappropriate behavior among partners. "What I’m very concerned about is that it now seems that the Liberal Party was actively recruiting Senator Nampijinpa Price five days out from an election," McKenzie said. "That is not the behavior of partners, of trusted partners. It just beggars belief."
McKenzie’s comments highlight the tension within the Coalition, which has already been strained following Labor's landslide victory in the recent election. With the Liberal vote collapsing and several senior MPs losing their seats, the relationship between the two parties is under scrutiny. McKenzie warned that accepting Price would lead to fallout for the Liberal Party, stating, "The Country Liberal Party in the Northern Territory and the federal Liberal Party are going to have to make decisions about whether they accept her decision and what the fallout will be."
Senator Price's defection comes on the heels of a poor showing for the Liberal Party, where Dutton and other key figures were unable to secure their positions. In contrast, the Nationals managed to hold their ground in the lower house, with McKenzie attributing their successes to the Liberal joint ticket in New South Wales. "It was the Liberal Party’s vote in NSW that saw the loss of our deputy leader, Perin Davey," McKenzie remarked.
In light of these developments, Sussan Ley, the deputy Liberal leader, has also thrown her hat into the ring for the leadership position. Ley stated that the Coalition "got it wrong" in the last election and expressed the need for a fresh approach. "I want to harness all of the talent in my team, take it forward under my leadership and meet the Australian people where they are because clearly we didn’t do that at the last election," she told Seven’s Sunrise.
She emphasized the importance of reflecting a modern Liberal Party that meets the needs of contemporary Australians across all walks of life. Ley's leadership bid signals a desire for a more inclusive party that resonates with a broader demographic. "It is about the policy offering. It is about what modern Australia expects of us as Liberals," she added.
As the Liberal Party navigates this tumultuous period, the internal divisions over direction and key policies within the broader Coalition are evident. Ley brushed off suggestions that she might be facing a glass cliff, a term used to describe women taking on leadership roles with high failure risks. "I’m putting my hand up," she said confidently. "I’m determined and convinced that I am the right person to lead the party forward at this time and I think my appointment would send a strong signal to the women of Australia."
The leadership contest comes amid a backdrop of significant challenges for the Liberal Party, as it seeks to regain its footing after a disappointing election result. The party must address not only its internal conflicts but also its relationship with the Nationals, which has been shaken by Price’s defection. The future of the Coalition hangs in the balance as both parties grapple with their identities and strategies moving forward.
Senator Price's decision to join the Liberal Party, while seen as a potential strength for Taylor’s bid, has also raised questions about loyalty and the integrity of the Coalition. McKenzie’s disappointment resonates with many within the Nationals, who fear the implications of losing a long-standing member to their rival party. The dynamics within the Coalition will undoubtedly evolve as both parties work to redefine their roles and strategies in the wake of the recent election.
As the Liberal Party prepares for what could be a transformative leadership contest, the stakes are high. The outcome will not only shape the future of the party but also influence the political landscape in Australia as a whole. With both Taylor and Ley vying for leadership, the direction of the party remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: significant changes are on the horizon.
