Angus Taylor Elected Liberal Party Leader, Succeeding Sussan Ley

Angus Taylor has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, defeating incumbent Sussan Ley in a partyroom ballot held on 13 February 2026. Taylor secured 34 votes to Ley's 17, marking a significant shift in the party's leadership dynamics.

The leadership change follows a period of internal discord within the party. Ley's tenure faced challenges, including policy disagreements with the National Party and declining poll numbers. Taylor's candidacy was supported by conservative factions within the party, who advocated for a more decisive leadership approach.

In his first address as leader, Taylor emphasized the need for strong and decisive leadership to provide Australians with clarity and confidence for the future. He committed to restoring the party to meet the expectations and needs of the Australian people.

Following the leadership change, Ley announced her intention to resign from parliament, which will trigger a by-election in her electorate of Farrer.

The party also elected Senator Jane Hume as the new deputy leader, succeeding Ted O'Brien. Hume received 30 votes to O'Brien's 20 in the deputy leadership contest.

Taylor, who has represented the New South Wales division of Hume since 2013, previously held ministerial positions in the Turnbull and Morrison governments, including Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction.

The leadership change comes amid broader challenges for the Liberal Party, including internal divisions and declining public support. Taylor's leadership is expected to focus on unifying the party and addressing key policy issues to regain voter confidence.