The two men jostling too replace Sussan Ley as leader of the Liberal Party have failed to decide which of them will run, after a clandestine meeting before a memorial for their former colleague in Melbourne.
Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie,who are both from the partyS conservative wing and have been testing their support since last week’s split with the Nationals,met fellow conservatives Jonathon Duniam,James Paterson and Matt O’Sullivan today.
while Liberals expected Ms Ley could face a spill as early as next week, it is agreed that can only proceed if the rival challengers can sort out who should run. But a source familiar with the meeting said that while it was “constructive”, talks are “ongoing”.
Current and former liberals have converged on Melbourne for the memorial of former MP Katie Allen. In a social media post, Ms Ley said Dr Allen was “a woman of rare grace, intellect and courage” and that she would “always miss her”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was “extraordinary, frankly” that a leadership meeting would be held before a memorial, calling Dr Allen “a very decent human being”.
A memorial service for former Liberal MP Katie Allen was held in Melbourne today. (ABC News: luke Stephenson)
Supporters of Sussan Ley have gained some confidence in recent days about her prospects of surviving the federal parliament’s first full sitting week next week, citing the apparent inability of Mr Taylor and Mr Hastie to end their standoff.
Liberal sources said Mr Hastie, whose wife was quoted in The Australian last weekend blessing his leadership tilt, was in more of a rush to challenge Ms Ley than Mr Taylor, who was inclined to wait.
Senator Paterson, who like Mr Taylor remains in the shadow cabinet, told Radio
Sussan Ley leadership Challenge
Table of Contents
As of January 29, 2026, Sussan Ley is facing increasing calls for her leadership of the Liberal Party to end, just eight months after assuming the position.
These calls stem from dissatisfaction among conservatives within the party and external figures,especially regarding the rise of One Nation and its potential impact on Liberal support.There have been no confirmed reports of a formal leadership spill as of this date.
Sussan Ley’s Position and Support
Sussan ley currently serves as the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party. Australian Parliament House. She has received public support from within the party, notably from Ted O’Brien, her deputy, who praised her “enormous strength and dignity” and stated she was “doing a good job”.
Ley was appointed Deputy Leader on May 28, 2025, following the Liberal Party’s defeat in the 2025 federal election.Liberal Party of Australia.
Calls for a Leadership Change
Growing discontent among conservatives is fueling calls for a change in leadership. This is largely attributed to concerns about One Nation’s increasing popularity and its potential to draw votes away from the Liberal Party.
Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia, reportedly urged a move against Ley on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on this progress. Peta Credlin, Abbott’s former chief of staff, published an opinion piece in The Australian criticizing Ley’s decision-making and advocating for a leader with greater authority.
Credlin argued that One Nation’s poll surge represents an “existential” threat to the liberals, necessitating a unified front under stronger leadership. The Australian (subscription required for full access).
One Nation’s Rise and Liberal Party Impact
One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has experienced a surge in support in recent polls, particularly in regional areas. This rise is perceived as a direct threat to the Liberal party’s traditional voter base.
Recent polling data from January 2026 indicates One Nation’s primary vote has increased to 12% nationally, up from 5% in the 2025 federal election. Australian Electoral Commission provides official election results and data. This increase is particularly pronounced in Queensland and New South Wales.
