Susan Ley confronts leadership challenge rumours during tense media interviews
While speculation swirls about her leadership future, Opposition Leader Susan Ley has declared she's "not here for ego" during a revealing media circuit.
Opposition Leader Susan Ley faced questions about her leadership and the Coalition’s policy direction during a media blitz on Monday, appearing on 2GB, ABC Radio and Sunrise as speculation grows over a potential leadership challenge within the Liberal Party.
On 2GB, Ley spoke directly to callers about the party’s energy and cost-of-living policies, emphasising her focus on affordable energy.
“Look, I’m really excited about our plan, affordable and responsible, we just have to prioritise affordable energy for Australians and we can responsibly reduce emissions,” she said.
“I will not lose focus for a second on the things that matter, because going into Christmas, I’m thinking of the mums and dads at the kitchen table worrying about the bills.”
“Right at the centre of this is this government’s energy policy with 40 per cent increases,” she continued.
“How can you trust anything this Prime Minister says when he promised to bring the costs down.”
On other policy fronts, Ley addressed pensioners’ work entitlements, immigration and support for veterans, while asserting the Liberal Party’s commitment to economic responsibility.
“Just know this, every minute we’re spending $50,000 on interest on Australia’s debt, so every time the government talks about giving you something, they’re being very generous with borrowed money.”
Ley also responded to feedback from listeners favouring a leadership change, including support for Andrew Hastie.
“People are entitled to have their views, I’m not here for a sense of ego about me,” she said.
“I’m here for Australians who are working hard and I’m here for the disenfranchised Australians, the next generation who are going to inherit, if we’re not careful, a lower standard of living than we do.”
However, senior party members have publicly rallied behind Ley.
In a joint statement, prominent moderates Anne Ruston and Maria Kovacic issued a firm defence of the Opposition Leader, expressing their support for her continued leadership.
“Media reports this morning about the moderates are incorrect,” the statement said.
“We, along with an overwhelming majority of our moderate colleagues, continue to strongly support Sussan’s leadership.
“This matter was resolved in the party room six months ago and Sussan will lead us strongly to the next election.”
Earlier on Sunrise, Ley was also pressed about the possibility of a leadership spill from Host Nat Barr.
“The sharks are circling … are you worried? Is your leadership terminal,” Barr asked.
Ley sidestepped the question, steering the discussion back to the Coalition’s energy strategy, which she said puts affordability for Australians “as a priority”.
“It’s about looking after the next generation, who, right now are going to have a lower standard of living than their parents,” she said.
“Because when energy is unaffordable, everything is unaffordable.
When Barr pushed again on whether she was personally concerned about a challenge to her leadership, Ley offered a blunt response: “No”.
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Originally published as Susan Ley confronts leadership challenge rumours during tense media interviews
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