The Liberal Party leadership change has moved from speculation to reality as Angus Taylor formally challenges Sussan Ley. The Taylor steps down, political news emerged on 12 February 2026 when the shadow minister resigned from the frontbench. A party room meeting is scheduled for 9 am on Friday to decide the leadership contest.
Figure 1: Angus Taylor, Shadow Minister for Defence [Source: news.com.au]
Multiple frontbenchers have resigned to support Taylor’s challenge, creating a Liberal Party leadership race 2026 that could reshape Australian politics. Senators James Paterson and Jonno Duniam led high-profile resignations on Thursday. The contest comes as polling shows the Coalition’s primary vote has plunged to historic lows near 18 per cent.
Taylor Steps Down Political News Triggers Mass Resignations
The Taylor steps down political news on Wednesday evening triggered a cascade of shadow cabinet resignations. Senator James Paterson warned the party must “change or die” as he announced his departure. Senator Jonno Duniam followed, stating internal bickering must end so the opposition can unite.
Figure 2: Senator James Paterson, Liberal Party Senator [Source: news.com.au]
Shadow ministers Phil Thompson, Claire Chandler, Matt O’Sullivan, and Leah Blyth also resigned to back Taylor. Foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash quit, stripping Ley’s shadow cabinet of senior positions. Senator James McGrath became the first Ley loyalist to turn against her, acknowledging his decision “won’t please everyone.”
Liberal Party Leadership Race 2026 Comes Down to Numbers
The Liberal Party leadership race 2026 is expected to be closely contested when votes are cast on Friday morning. Neither camp appears totally confident in their numbers, according to party insiders. Ley initially defeated Taylor 29 to 25 after last May’s federal election, though three supporters have since left.
One Liberal MP suggested conversations revealed Ley’s time as leader was over. They estimated Taylor was poised to win with between five and 12 extra votes. Senator Paterson pointed to polling showing the party had lost 2.1 million supporters since the election.
Liberal Party Leadership Change Sparks Deputy Contest
The Liberal Party leadership change has opened the deputy leadership position. Senator Jane Hume is canvassing support for deputy leader, alongside incumbent Ted O’Brien. Victorian MP Tim Wilson is reportedly weighing up a tilt at the leadership if Ley loses.
Other deputy candidates include Victorian frontbench MP Dan Tehan, MP Zoe McKenzie, and Queensland’s Angie Bell. Hume was the finance spokeswoman before Ley demoted her following blunders during the 2025 federal election campaign. Deputy Opposition Leader O’Brien remains one of Ley’s staunchest supporters.
Labor Attacks Taylor as Leadership Vote Looms
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused the Coalition of being obsessed with “cutting each other down” during Question Time. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy blasted Taylor for asking just three defence-related questions in 285 days as shadow defence spokesman.
Figure 3: Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia [Source: news.com.au]
Treasurer Jim Chalmers seized on Senator Paterson’s description of Taylor as the “smartest policy brain in the shadow cabinet.” Chalmers said the Albanese government was “focused on the numbers in the budget” while the opposition focused on “numbers in the Liberal party room.”
Ley Supporters Defend Leadership Record
Shadow Attorney-General Andrew Wallace suggested ousting a leader less than 12 months into their term would send a “bad message” to voters. He told the media he believed Ley had the numbers and that the majority wanted to give her a fair opportunity.
Figure 4: Sussan Ley, Leader of the Liberal Party [Source: news.com.au]
Opposition housing spokesman Andrew Bragg restated his backing for Ley. He noted the party had experienced a cataclysmic election defeat and two separations with the Nationals in eight months. Bragg said it was premature to change leadership before the budget reply.
Nationals React to Liberal Party Leadership Change
National Party sources suggested a Liberal Party leadership change could bring stability to the fractured Coalition. One senior National said “the polling speaks for itself” and that Liberal events ultimately affect the Nationals.
Backbenchers painted a complex picture, with one saying it would be “easier to find common ground” with Taylor. Another suggested that Liberal moderates needed to be kept at bay. The Nationals have maintained a cautious public stance during the leadership turmoil.
FAQs
Q1. When is the Liberal Party leadership change vote?
Ans. The Liberal Party will hold a leadership vote on Friday, 13 February 2026, at 9 am in Canberra to decide between Ley and Taylor.
Q2. Why did Taylor step down from the frontbench?
Ans. Angus Taylor resigned from the shadow cabinet on 12 February 2026 to launch a leadership challenge against Sussan Ley.
Q3. Who is running in the Liberal Party leadership race 2026?
Ans. Sussan Ley is defending her position against challenger Angus Taylor, with multiple candidates also eyeing the deputy leadership role.
Q4. How many frontbenchers resigned to support Taylor?
Ans. At least seven shadow ministers resigned, including James Paterson, Jonno Duniam, Michaelia Cash, Claire Chandler, Phil Thompson, and Leah Blyth.
