Sussan Ley just outlasted the Liberal party’s shortest serving leader. But will she survive another milestone?

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Tom McIlroyJanuary 22, 2026 at 09:39 AM

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Sussan Ley, leader of the Liberal party, recently surpassed Alexander Downer's tenure as the shortest-serving Liberal leader. Despite gaining respect for her criticism of Prime Minister Albanese's response to the Bondi attack and her push for a royal commission, Ley's leadership is now facing challenges. The fallout from three Nationals senators crossing the floor and Nationals leader David Littleproud's criticism of Ley's leadership has weakened her position. A leadership challenge from rivals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie is anticipated, pending agreement on a single candidate from the party's right faction. While the upcoming parliamentary break may offer Ley a temporary reprieve, her future as leader remains uncertain.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Bridget McKenzie 40% Susan McDonald 40% Ross Cadell 40% Alexander Downer 40% Bondi Beach ×250% Angus Taylor 50% Labor Party ×250% David Littleproud ×260% Nationals Party ×570% Liberal Party ×470% Anthony Albanese ×370% Sussan Ley ×890%

Keywords

sussan ley 100% leadership challenge 90% liberal party 80% nationals 70% coalition 70% david littleproud 60% party leadership 60% opposition leader 50% political instability 50%