Sussan Ley, the newly appointed Liberal leader, will need to be inclusive and work together with all members of her party as it has suffered losses in the recent elections, according to Nine political editor Charles Croucher. Croucher emphasized the importance of Ley being consultative and collaborative to avoid any conflicts within the party.
Ley was elected over opponent Angus Taylor this morning, winning by 29 votes to 25.
Her new deputy, Ted O’Brien, was elected with 38 votes over Phil Thompson, who received 16.
Charles Croucher also highlighted Ley’s diverse background, mentioning that she immigrated to Australia with her family, pursued a career as a pilot, worked as a jackaroo, and is now a grandmother. He believes that Ley’s remarkable life story will be further explored in the upcoming days.
“She had a history as a punk rocker and can be good company when she’s having a good time, so I think we’ll see a bit of that.”
Politically, he said, Ley had been an advocate for small business, and he expected her to return to a small-government outlook.
Albanese celebrates victory with coffee
“But also she’s someone who has been willing to adapt and change to please whoever’s in charge of the party at the time,” he said.
“So, I think we’re going to see her now in charge, and that’s the big challenge for her – what does that look like?”
Even with the defeat of Taylor and the controversy surrounding Price’s switch from the Nationals to the Liberals, Croucher expressed his expectation that both individuals would still play a role in Ley’s plans and strategies going forward.
Ultimately, he said, the party as a whole faced an uphill battle.
“There’s a long run to go before this side of politics is anywhere near government again,” he said.
