Sussan Ley has insisted she will remain leader of the Liberal Party despite mounting internal pressure following the Nationals\u2019 dramatic decision to exit the Coalition for a second time since the 2025 federal election.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Opposition Leader faced a tense round of television interviews on Friday morning, appearing on Seven\u2019s Sunrise and Nine shortly afterwards, as she responded publicly to the collapse of the long-standing political partnership. The split has intensified scrutiny of Ms Ley\u2019s leadership and exposed deep fractures within the conservative parties.<\/p>\n
Nationals Leader David Littleproud laid the blame squarely at Ms Ley\u2019s feet, accusing her of forcing the Coalition into what he described as an \u201cuntenable position\u201d. His comments followed the resignation of three Nationals senators \u2014 Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell \u2014 from their shadow cabinet roles after they defied cabinet solidarity by opposing the government\u2019s hate crimes legislation.<\/p>\n
Speaking on Sunrise, Ms Ley adopted a defiant tone when questioned directly about her future. Asked by host Nat Barr whether she would survive as leader, Ms Ley replied unequivocally: \u201cYes, I will.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said she retained the backing of her Liberal colleagues and rejected suggestions her leadership was at risk. \u201cEvery step I\u2019ve taken has been with the support of my Liberal leadership team,\u201d she said. \u201cThe responsibility for the Liberal Party sits in the Liberal party room, just as responsibility for the Nationals sits in theirs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Ley acknowledged the breakdown in relations but said she remained focused on holding the Labor government to account rather than negotiating a political reunion. \u201cThe door is not closed, but my eye is not on the door,\u201d she said. \u201cMy eye is on the work my team has already done over summer in holding the government to account.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barr pressed Ms Ley on reports that no-one in Mr Littleproud\u2019s leadership group was willing to work with her to rebuild the Coalition. Ms Ley dismissed the claims and refused to consider standing aside \u201cfor the good of the party\u201d, despite suggestions leadership challengers were emerging.<\/p>\n
Shadow defence minister Angus Taylor and backbencher Andrew Hastie have both been mentioned as potential contenders, with Mr Taylor reportedly returning early from overseas leave. However, Ms Ley said she would continue to work with her colleagues, despite public expressions of anger and frustration within the party.<\/p>\n
Behind the scenes, Liberal discontent appears to be growing. One Liberal MP described Ms Ley\u2019s \u201cdays as numbered\u201d, while another said she \u201ccannot remain\u201d leader after failing to keep the Nationals onside. Some party members are reportedly considering a leadership challenge when parliament next sits.<\/p>\n
Shadow communications minister Melissa McIntosh expressed disappointment at the Coalition\u2019s renewed fracture, saying it reflected poorly on the opposition. \u201cWe ended the week talking about ourselves again, which is very disappointing,\u201d she told Sky News. While stopping short of calling for Ms Ley\u2019s removal, Ms McIntosh said the decision ultimately rested with the party room and insisted she was not canvassing support for any alternative leader.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t look good \u2014 our marriage has broken up twice in a year,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m a Coalitionist. I really value the relationship we have with our Coalition partner. We\u2019re stronger together.\u201d<\/p>\n
On the Nationals side, MP Anne Webster said grassroots support for a split had been building for some time. \u201cI have certainly been asked by a lot of people for some time now to separate from the Liberal Party,\u201d she told ABC Radio National, adding that her electorate was comfortable with the decision.<\/p>\n
Senator Bridget McKenzie echoed that view, saying the Nationals were in no rush to reform the Coalition, though she stopped short of ruling it out in the future. \u201cI would never be closing the door on a coalition reforming,\u201d she said. \u201cBut as it stands today, our room has determined we are no longer in a coalition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deputy Liberal leader Ted O\u2019Brien sought to project unity, saying the party remained focused on voters rather than internal turmoil. \u201cThe main game is not ourselves,\u201d he said. \u201cThe main game is delivering for Australians.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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