Sussan Ley will soon quit politics, saying she plans a “complete and comprehensive withdrawal from public life” after losing a party room spill for the Liberal leadership.
The decision sets up a byelection for Ley’s seat in Farrer, which could result in a reduction in the opposition’s parliamentary numbers.
Ley, the former opposition leader who lost 34-17 to conservative challenger Angus Taylor, said his tenure was “very difficult” but he bore no ill will to colleagues who voted against him, and wished his successor the best of luck.
In a brief statement to the media after the result was announced, in which he did not ask questions, Ley said he was looking forward to spending time with his family and continuing his hobby of aviation. Ley also talked about the abuse he experienced from colleagues and critics who agitated against his leadership from day one.
“It is important that the new leader gets clear air, something that is not always given to leaders, but at this time it is more important than before,” said Ley.
“I will spend the next two weeks thanking the wonderful people of Farrer, and expressing my gratitude to them for the honor of representing them for 25 years.
Taylor and fellow conservative Andrew Hastie have reportedly been making leadership moves since early in Ley’s leadership, when he took over following Peter Dutton’s crushing election defeat in May 2025.
Making several references to the difficulties and destabilization he faced during his administration, Ley said it was “a challenging time to lead the party after we suffered the worst defeat in 81 years.”
“It’s hard, sometimes very hard, but every sleepless night, every intractable problem, indeed, every personal challenge, is always put into perspective by my understanding of the burdens that many ordinary Australians face in silence.”
Ley’s seat of Farrer, a large electorate in rural New South Wales along the Victorian border, was previously held by the Nationals. In the 2025 election, Ley faced a strong challenge from an independent candidate, while One Nation won 6.6% of the primary vote. Farrer is surrounded by seats held by the Nationals, and borders the Victorian seat of Indi, held by independent Helen Haines.
A byelection in the seat will be an early test of Taylor’s leadership, especially given how the Liberals will fare against a resurgent One Nation, which currently leads the opposition in many published national opinion polls – including the Guardian Essential poll, which has Pauline Hanson’s party with a 22% lead in the national primary vote.
One Nation has announced it will contest the Farrer byelection.
Ley in his statement said he became Liberal leader shortly after his mother’s death.
“I’m not sure what comes next for me. I look forward to getting away completely and comprehensively from public life, to spend time with my family, and to reconnect with my lasting love, aviation, which taught me, if I have an ego, I die. It’s very useful in politics,” said Ley.
Ley thanked his outgoing deputy, Ted O’Brien, who also unsuccessfully contested his position, and wished his colleagues well.
“I leave it to others to judge this stage of my leadership, now and over time. While I’m sure many people have a lot to say. I never seek to influence what other people think about me,” he said.
“I am proud of the role I played in the establishment of a royal commission into antisemitism. I am proud that we landed on an energy policy in November last year, and I am also proud that after a difficult period, the Coalition has changed stronger than before.”
More details to follow.