Farrer By-Election Offers Hope for Progressive Change After Ley's Resignation
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Sussan Ley's resignation triggers a by-election in Farrer, opening the door for progressives and independents to challenge the long-standing conservative grip on the seat.
Former Liberal leader Sussan Ley has finally stepped down as the Member for Farrer, setting the stage for a by-election that could disrupt decades of conservative dominance in the New South Wales electorate. Ley’s resignation comes after her ousting in the Liberal Party leadership spill on February 13, 2026, where Angus Taylor, a figure closely tied to corporate interests, replaced her as party leader.
The Farrer electorate, which includes diverse communities in Albury, Griffith, and Deniliquin, has suffered under Liberal rule since Ley's initial election in 2001. However, the 2025 federal election signaled a growing appetite for change, with a significant swing against the Liberals and Ley’s margin shrinking to just 6.2% over independent Michelle Milthorpe, who campaigned on community-focused policies.
A range of candidates are stepping forward to contest the by-election, reflecting the electorate’s desire for alternatives to the status quo. Independent Michelle Milthorpe, who garnered a remarkable 20% of the primary vote in 2025, is running again, offering voters a genuine alternative to the two-party system. Family First is fielding Rebecca Scriven, a school worker who advocates for grassroots issues and previously challenged the conservative establishment. The Greens, champions of environmental justice and social equity, have confirmed their participation, though their candidate is yet to be named.
The Nationals, a party often complicit in propping up conservative policies that neglect rural needs, are making their first bid for Farrer since 2001. Party Chairman Rick Colless claimed the Nationals would 'fight for Farrer,' but their record suggests more of the same neglect for working families and the environment.
One Nation, notorious for its divisive rhetoric, is also entering the race, with a preselection event scheduled for March 7 at the Albury Entertainment Centre. The event will include a public rally, likely to amplify reactionary talking points.
Independent state MP Helen Dalton, known for her advocacy for rural communities, has been approached by One Nation to run for the federal seat. Dalton confirmed discussions with Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce but has not yet committed, raising concerns about the co-opting of progressive voices by reactionary forces.
The date for the by-election will be set following Ley’s formal resignation. With multiple parties and independents contesting, the by-election represents a crucial opportunity for Farrer to break free from conservative rule and embrace a more inclusive, progressive future.