Liberal Leadership Plot Descends into Melodrama Amid Memorial Service
In a stark display of political turmoil, images of a clandestine gathering of right-wing Liberal men have dominated media coverage, revealing an internal plot to overthrow the party's first female leader, Sussan Ley. The timing of this secret meeting, held just hours before a memorial service for the late former colleague Katie Allen in Melbourne, has been widely condemned as obscene and insensitive.
A Soap Opera Unfolds in Australian Politics
More than a week has passed since the implosion of the Coalition sparked immediate speculation that Ley would face a leadership challenge. The right faction had hoped for a swift resolution, with Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie considered the primary contenders. However, the process has stalled, despite interventions from conservative figures like Tony Abbott, leading to days of agonising speculation over whether a spill will occur.
Taylor, who was overseas when the shadow leadership campaign began, refuses to step aside, believing his seniority entitles him to factional backing. Meanwhile, Hastie's camp remains resolute, confident that the former soldier has the necessary support. This private stalemate has created a tense atmosphere, with neither candidate publicly declaring their intentions.
Secret Meeting Overshadows Solemn Occasion
On Thursday, footage emerged of Hastie, Jonno Duniam, and Matt O'Sullivan arriving at a private residence in Melbourne for talks with Taylor, reportedly brokered by former MP Michael Sukkar and attended by James Paterson. The images, broadcast widely across media outlets, overshadowed the purpose of their visit: to attend a memorial service for Katie Allen, who died at age 59 after a battle with cancer.
Liberal MPs, both male and female, expressed private dismay that colleagues would use such a sombre occasion to discuss the mechanics of a leadership coup. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese labelled the talks "astonishing," noting the recent confirmation of the Coalition's end on a national day of mourning for Bondi massacre victims.
Ley's Leadership Under Siege from Within
The meeting ended without a resolution, making a leadership spill when parliament returns on Tuesday increasingly unlikely. However, it confirmed that a challenge is imminent. Notably, Duniam, Paterson, and Taylor are not just shadow cabinet members but part of Ley's leadership team, a circle expected to be loyal. Their involvement suggests the push to oust Ley extends beyond a few rogue backbenchers, contrary to claims from her allies.
In interviews, Paterson offered a tepid endorsement of Ley, stating he hadn't resigned but failing to provide strong support. Similarly, Duniam declined to directly endorse her, calling for an end to the "unhelpful" speculation. This lack of robust backing highlights the precariousness of Ley's position.
The Path Forward: Uncertainty and Speculation
If this unedifying political drama continues, a resolution may not come quickly. However, when it does, it appears certain to mark the end of Ley's leadership. The combination of internal plotting, poor timing, and public scrutiny has plunged the Liberal party into a crisis that threatens to destabilise its future direction.
As the saga unfolds, the focus remains on how the party will navigate this turbulent period, with implications for Australian politics at large. The memorial service for Katie Allen, intended as a moment of reflection, has instead become a backdrop for a leadership struggle that exposes deep divisions within the Liberal ranks.
