Sussan Ley and the glass cliff: Does Australian politics still have a problem with women?

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 7 min read 75% complete February 13, 2026 at 04:11 AM
Sussan Ley and the glass cliff: Does Australian politics still have a problem with women?

AI Summary

long article 7 min

Sussan Ley's recent ousting as leader of Australia's Liberal Party after only nine months has sparked debate about the "glass cliff" phenomenon in Australian politics. Ley, the first woman to lead the party, took the position after a major election defeat and internal party turmoil. The "glass cliff" theory suggests women are often promoted to leadership during crises, increasing their risk of failure. Angus Taylor successfully challenged Ley for leadership, arguing he was better suited to improve the party's standing. Ley's supporters claim she wasn't given a fair chance, raising questions about gender bias, while opponents cite performance as the reason for her removal. The situation has renewed discussions about the progress of women in Australian politics.

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BBC News - World
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