Overview

• James Paterson urged the Liberal Party to stop what he called a prolonged 'mass public therapy session' and to demonstrate readiness for government.
• He warned that a Farage‑style populist turn would politically destroy the party, citing Reform UK's impact on the British Conservatives and Australia's preferential voting reality.
• Paterson also rejected a teal‑style pivot that sidelines cultural issues, arguing it would leave the Liberals 'soulless' and hollow.
• He called for amicable resolution of internal differences, a sharper focus on Labor's weaknesses, and the rapid development of a coherent alternative policy agenda.
• The speech followed the Coalition’s worst defeat in May and ongoing strain on Sussan Ley’s leadership, with polls showing weaker ratings and support drifting to One Nation and donor group Advance.