Sussan Ley Makes History as First Woman to Lead Australia’s Liberal Party

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In a historic move, the Liberal Party of Australia has elected Sussan Ley as its first female leader following a significant defeat in the May 2025 federal election. Ley secured the leadership with a narrow victory over Angus Taylor, receiving 29 votes to Taylor's 25. This election loss marked one of the party's worst performances, with former leader Peter Dutton losing his seat in Dickson and the party's presence in Parliament reduced to just 54 members.

Ley, a former Minister for the Environment and Health, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Her background as a former outback pilot and farmer's wife, coupled with her academic credentials in economics, positions her uniquely to lead the party through this challenging period. She has acknowledged the party's declining support among women and emphasized the need for economic and tax reforms, as well as modernizing the party’s approach to resonate with contemporary Australia.

In her first address as leader, Ley vowed to "bury the past" and build a new future for the Liberal Party. She committed to ending factional politics, promoting unity, and including both supporters and rivals in her frontbench. Ley also signaled a departure from past stances, backing the continuation of live sheep exports and adopting a firmer stance on Middle East policy after recent events.

The election of Ley marks a significant shift in the party's leadership dynamics. Her leadership is seen as an opportunity to unify and modernize the party, preparing it for future electoral challenges. As the first woman to lead the Liberal Party, Ley's appointment is a historic milestone in Australian politics.