Liberal Party Names First Female Leader After Historic Australia Election Loss

For the first time in its history, Australia’s Liberal Party has selected a woman to lead the party, with Sussan Ley succeeding Peter Dutton, who guided them through a significant electoral defeat.

Ley, associated with the party’s moderate wing, narrowly won the leadership contest against Angus Taylor, who campaigned on reviving conservative principles, securing victory by just four votes.

During the 3 May election, the Liberal-National coalition — which forms the country’s main opposition — endured what many consider to be its most severe loss ever.

Analysts and lawmakers have attributed the poor performance to divisive leadership, a disorganized campaign, and “Trumpian” policies, which particularly distanced women and younger voters.

Ley’s rise to leadership coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s formal swearing-in at Government House on Tuesday, following a sweeping win by the Labor Party.

As reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Labor has claimed at least 93 seats — gaining an additional 16 — while the Coalition’s representation has dropped to 42 from 58. Several races remain undecided.

Representing the vast regional electorate of Farrer in New South Wales since 2001, Ley has held senior roles across multiple ministries, positioning her among the most seasoned figures in the Liberal Party. She also previously served as deputy under Dutton.

Queensland MP Ted O’Brien, who had overseen the Coalition’s contentious nuclear energy plan, has been chosen to serve as Ley’s deputy.

Ley expressed her commitment to reconnecting the party with the electorate — especially the demographics that felt overlooked.

“We have to have a Liberal Party that respects modern Australia, that reflects modern Australia, and that represents modern Australia. And we have to meet the people where they are,” she said.

Speaking to the press, she confirmed that the party’s election performance would be formally examined — along with its broader platform, including policies on nuclear energy and net-zero emissions.

“I want to do things differently, and we have to have a fresh approach,” she said.

“I committed to my colleagues that there would be no captain’s calls from anywhere by me… that we would work through every single policy issue and canvas the different views and take the time to get it right.”

Following the leadership outcome, Taylor congratulated Ley and emphasized the need for party cohesion.

“Sussan has led a remarkable life and becoming the first woman to lead the Liberal Party is a milestone for Sussan and our party,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nationals — the Coalition’s junior partner — reaffirmed David Littleproud as their leader on Monday, despite a challenge from a more hardline member.

The new Labor cabinet was also officially instated on Tuesday.

Among the notable reshuffles, former deputy Tanya Plibersek has moved from the environment portfolio to oversee social services, while Michelle Rowland, previously in charge of communications, has been appointed attorney general.

Former Attorney General Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic — who made history as the first Muslim minister in an Australian government — have both been removed from the frontbench.

“I have got people who are, I think, in the best positions and that’s across the board,” Albanese said when announcing the positions on Monday.