Overview

• The Liberal-National Coalition suffered its worst electoral defeat since 1944, winning fewer than 50 seats in the May 3 federal election.
• Opposition leader Peter Dutton not only lost the election but also failed to retain his own seat, triggering a leadership contest within the Liberal Party.
• Sussan Ley, Angus Taylor, and Dan Tehan have emerged as the main contenders for party leadership, reflecting competing visions for the party's future.
• The party is divided over whether to embrace centrist economic policies or adopt Trump-style populism, with figures like Andrew Bragg and Alex Antic representing opposing views.
• Prominent voices, including George Brandis and Gina Rinehart, have weighed in on the ideological debate, underscoring the broader cultural rejection of divisive Trumpism in Australia.