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Opposition leadership questioned after public criticism from within the party
Sussan Ley under pressure as questions grow over her grip on the Liberal Party following a public swipe from Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson.
In a live report from Parliament House, Senator Henderson said the Liberals “can’t continue like this” and described the party as being in the worst state she has seen. Her comments came this afternoon and have sparked fresh speculation about whether Ms Ley can remain opposition leader through to Christmas.
Henderson — a former journalist turned politician who was recently demoted to the backbench — blamed a drawn-out policy review for eroding support in the party room. She also urged the coalition to abandon its net zero target, arguing the policy process has been mishandled.
“I don't support the way things are at the moment and I am really hopeful,” Senator Henderson said, later adding that this is the worst state she has ever seen the party in since entering parliament in 2013.
Liberal sources suggest Henderson’s comments may be coloured by personal grievance after her demotion. For now, Ms Ley’s shadow cabinet remains publicly supportive, describing the team as “very strong, very united.”
The Liberal party room will meet next Wednesday to finalise an energy policy, with a coalition position to be agreed with the Nationals the following Sunday. Insiders expect the party to drop a formal net zero commitment while retaining support for the Paris Agreement.
Party insiders are playing down talk of an imminent spill. When asked directly whether Ms Ley was losing support or facing a leadership challenge, one frontbencher replied, “No, no, we’re very strong, very united” and denied plans to roll her.
What this means politically
The immediate consequence is a contested internal debate over energy and climate policy. Dropping net zero could appease parts of the conservative base but risks alienating moderate voters who expect climate commitments to be upheld.
For Ms Ley, the public criticism from a colleague highlights fractures in party discipline and underlines the challenge of managing differing views while preparing for an election campaign.
Key takeaways
- Senator Sarah Henderson publicly criticised the Liberal Party and said it is in the worst state she has seen.
- Henderson linked declining support for Sussan Ley to a drawn-out policy review and urged the party to ditch net zero.
- Shadow cabinet members say they remain behind Ms Ley, denying plans for an immediate leadership challenge.
- The Liberal party room meets next Wednesday to decide energy policy; a coalition position with the Nationals will be set the following Sunday.
- It is expected net zero will be dropped while a commitment to the Paris Agreement will remain.
FAQs
Is Sussan Ley losing support within the Liberal Party?
Senator Sarah Henderson has publicly said Ms Ley is losing support, but senior Liberals and shadow cabinet members have denied an imminent challenge and say the party remains united for now.
Why did Senator Sarah Henderson speak out?
Henderson criticised the party’s direction and a drawn-out policy review process, and has called for the coalition to abandon net zero. Some colleagues say her comments may be influenced by frustration after being demoted to the backbench.
When will the party decide its energy policy?
The Liberal party room is scheduled to meet next Wednesday to decide its energy policy, with a coalition position to be agreed with the Nationals on the Sunday of the following week.
Will the Liberals drop net zero?
Insiders expect the Liberals to drop a formal net zero commitment while still maintaining support for Australia’s obligations under the Paris Agreement.
The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Sussan Ley under pressure as Liberal support wavers | 7NEWS
