Peter McGauran, a former minister in the Howard government, has warned that Sussan Ley’s success as opposition leader hinges on uniting the Liberal Party, with a looming Senate vote threatening her narrow majority.
Sussan Ley made history on Thursday when she was elected as the Liberal party’s first female leader, triggered by the ousting of former opposition leader Peter Dutton, who lost his long-held seat of Dickson.
The 63-year-old faces an uphill battle after the party’s crushing defeat at the federal election, with many suggesting a complete overhaul of policies is required to secure future governments.
Divides extend beyond the Liberal partyroom, with the long-standing coalition agreement also in doubt as the Nationals deliberate on whether it will continue to back net-zero.
Mr McGauran, a former Nationals minister, praised Ms Ley as a “very competent person who is not to be underestimated”, noting that her first executive appointment in politics was as his parliamentary secretary in 2005.
The former MP said Ms Ley was “definitely” the right person to lead the Liberal Party to success in future elections, but that divides within the Coalition could cement its position as the opposition party.
“She must have unity, if they don’t back her, then they can look at an even further period in opposition,” he said.
Mr McGauran agreed there needs to be stability within the party, with Ms Ley remaining at the helm until at least the next election.
“A lot of people need to swallow their pride and put aside their ego,” he said.
“It’s just human nature [in opposition] to squabble and fight and plot over the period of desolate opposition when a lot of people don’t want to know you, you don’t have staff or resources.
“You must have discipline, if they don’t unite behind Sussan Ley and give her a chance, at least until the next election, then they’ll sink even lower.”
Sussan Ley narrowly secured the liberals’ top spot – 29 votes to Angus Taylor’s 25 – and could lose her majority support when the terms of 14 coalition senators expire on June 30.
Mr McGauran said Ms Ley’s position is “precariously balanced” , with the looming senate vote making it “level pegging” between her and Angus Taylor.
“Angus Taylor is the key and he must support Ley and be a team player,” he said.
