Canberra – A period of political upheaval in Australia has culminated in a leadership change for the Liberal Party, with Angus Taylor replacing Sussan Ley as leader. The move comes as the party grapples with declining support and faces the prospect of a challenging by-election in the rural New South Wales seat of Farrer, triggered by Ley’s resignation. Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is preparing to contest the Farrer by-election, signaling its ambitions to expand its footprint beyond its current single seat in the House of Representatives.
The leadership spill, held on , saw Taylor secure 34 votes to Ley’s 17, a decisive victory that underscores the depth of dissatisfaction within the Liberal ranks. Jane Hume was elected as deputy leader, defeating challengers Dan Tehan, Melissa Price, and Ted O’Brien. Ley, who had served as leader for nine months, announced her resignation as the member for Farrer following the vote, acknowledging the need for the new leader to have “clear air.”
Taylor, in a statement following the vote, emphasized the need for a return to core values and a focus on the economy and immigration. He acknowledged the party had lost its way, stating they had been distracted and needed to refocus on “the politics of conviction.” Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott echoed this sentiment, urging the party to embrace its traditional principles and avoid becoming a diluted version of its political rivals. Abbott believes a federal election win is achievable under Taylor’s leadership, provided the party remains firmly rooted in its core ideology.
However, not all reactions were positive. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull expressed skepticism that Taylor could fundamentally address the Liberal Party’s challenges, arguing that a more substantial shift in policy and a renewed focus on economic solutions were required to regain public trust. Turnbull stressed the need for detailed plans to stimulate economic growth, tackle housing affordability, and implement tax reform.
The political maneuvering extends beyond the Liberal Party, with One Nation seizing the opportunity presented by the Farrer by-election. Barnaby Joyce, a former Deputy Prime Minister, indicated the party is “looking forward” to contesting the seat, aiming to capitalize on discontent in rural areas. Hanson confirmed that One Nation would field a “strong candidate” who represents the interests of regional New South Wales, particularly concerning issues related to water management in the Murray-Darling basin.
The upcoming by-election in Farrer is particularly significant as it provides a testing ground for One Nation’s momentum. The party has been gaining traction in recent polls, fueled by disillusionment among voters, and a win in Farrer would represent a substantial step towards its goal of becoming a major force in Australian politics. The Liberal Party, meanwhile, faces a difficult battle to retain the seat, with the possibility of a challenge from both One Nation and independent candidates.
The Liberal Party’s internal struggles are further complicated by a long-running debate over its identity and direction. Ley’s departure follows a period of internal division and a disappointing election result. Taylor’s victory represents a move towards a more conservative stance, but the party remains deeply divided on key issues. The challenge for Taylor will be to unite the party and present a coherent vision to the electorate.
Adding to the complexity, there has been ongoing discussion within One Nation regarding a potential rebranding, with proposals to drop “Pauline Hanson’s” from the party’s name to simply “One Nation.” This move, initially announced in October 2025, was reportedly linked to speculation about Barnaby Joyce potentially defecting to the party. However, as of , the name change has not been implemented, and the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) still lists the party as “Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.”
The broader implications of these developments extend beyond the immediate political landscape. The rise of One Nation reflects a growing trend of populism and anti-establishment sentiment in Australia, mirroring similar movements in other parts of the world. The Liberal Party’s struggles, meanwhile, highlight the challenges faced by traditional center-right parties in adapting to a changing political environment. The outcome of the Farrer by-election and the future direction of both the Liberal Party and One Nation will be closely watched as indicators of the evolving political dynamics in Australia.
The situation underscores a period of significant flux within Australian politics. The Liberal Party is attempting to redefine itself under new leadership, while One Nation seeks to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and expand its influence. The Farrer by-election will serve as a crucial test of these forces, with the potential to reshape the political map of New South Wales and beyond.
