After feverish speculation, Andrew Hastie failed to mount a Liberal leadership challenge. So what now?

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Dan Jervis-BardyJanuary 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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Andrew Hastie, a Liberal MP in Australia, was widely speculated to challenge Sussan Ley for the party leadership after the Coalition's recent struggles. Hastie, who had been laying the groundwork for a leadership bid for months by promoting a nationalist vision, saw an opportunity to capitalize on the party's poor polling and recent instability. His supporters believed he could offer generational change and win back right-wing voters. However, despite the speculation and internal campaigning, Hastie ultimately did not mount an official challenge. Talks with fellow contender Angus Taylor failed to produce a resolution, and it became clear Hastie lacked sufficient support within the party. The situation has left some questioning the purpose of the week's events and Hastie's future prospects.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Melbourne 30% Western Australian 40% Pauline Hanson's One Nation 40% Angus Taylor ×250% Coalition ×260% Sussan Ley ×470% Liberal Party 70% Andrew Hastie ×1090%

Keywords

leadership challenge 90% liberal party 80% andrew hastie 80% sussan ley 70% leadership spill 60% political speculation 60% angus taylor 50% right-faction 50% nationalist vision 40%