Overview
- Sussan Ley, representing the moderates, and Angus Taylor, backed by conservatives, each hold approximately 20 votes in the 55-member Liberal Party room ahead of the leadership decision.
- Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has defected from the Nationals to join Taylor as his deputy candidate, a move endorsed by former Prime Minister Tony Abbott but viewed as polarizing within the party.
- Tim Wilson, who reclaimed the Melbourne seat of Goldstein from a teal independent, is considering a late entry into the leadership race, complicating what was a two-way contest.
- Ley has drawn support from prominent moderates, including four former premiers, and is campaigning on rebuilding trust and modernizing the party to appeal to women and younger voters.
- The leadership vote comes as the Liberal Party faces significant internal divisions over its future direction following its worst electoral defeat in decades.