Angus Taylor Elected Liberal Party Leader; Sussan Ley Resigns from Parliament

Angus Taylor has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, defeating incumbent Sussan Ley in a partyroom ballot with a vote of 34 to 17. Jane Hume was chosen as deputy leader, marking the first time a senator has held this position since 1990.

Following her defeat, Sussan Ley announced her intention to resign from parliament in the coming weeks, ending a 25-year tenure as the member for Farrer. Ley stated, "I look forward to stepping away completely and comprehensively from public life, to spend time with my family, and to reconnect with my enduring passion, aviation."

In his first press conference as leader, Taylor emphasized his commitment to "restore our standard of living and protect our way of life." He highlighted priorities such as home ownership and immigration, expressing concerns that "our borders have been opened to people who hate our way of life."

The leadership change follows a period of internal party tensions and declining poll numbers. Taylor's resignation from the shadow cabinet on February 11 signaled his challenge to Ley's leadership, stating that the party was in its "worst position" since its formation in 1944.

Ley's resignation will trigger a by-election in the Farrer electorate, presenting an early test for Taylor's leadership and the party's direction under new management.