Liberal leadership: Sussan Ley support to become deputy

A regional MP has not been in a Liberal leadership position for almost 40 years. Sussan Ley looks likely to end the drought.

A Liberal colleague has declared Farrer MP Sussan Ley is “almost certain” to be the party’s new deputy leader in the fallout from Saturday’s federal election defeat.

Former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews told the ABC today that Ms Ley was in the box seat to be the deputy to Peter Dutton, who appears to have a clear run at the leadership role.

Former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews says Sussan Ley is “almost certain” to be the new Liberal deputy leader. Picture: Mike Batterham

“I believe very firmly Peter will be elected unopposed as leader of the Liberal Party,” Ms Andrews said.

“His deputy is almost certain to be Sussan Ley.

“Together they will have the job of bringing together a team, to appoint people into the shadow ministry and basically reshape the party for the future.

“I’m very confident they will take a consultative approach with the members and the senators of the Liberal and National Party, who we work very closely with and to make sure we are bringing out the best in all of our people.”

Ms Ley has served stints as health and environment ministers in Coalition governments led by Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and up until last Saturday, Scott Morrison.

Sussan Ley has been the member for Farrer since 2001. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

It will be the first time since Malcolm Fraser was Prime Minister that a regional-based MP held a Liberal leadership position if Ms Ley is voted in as deputy.

The late Mr Fraser was the member for Wannon for a marathon stint between 1955 and 1983 when the Coalition lost the election to Labor-led Bob Hawke.

Peter Dutton is expected to be elected unopposed to the position of Liberal leader Picture: Zak Simmonds

In Saturday’s election, Ms Ley achieved a two per cent swing on the 2019 election result when she fought off a high profile independent challenge from former Albury mayor Kevin Mack.

She has occupied the seat formerly held by the late Tim Fischer since 2001.

The Weekly Times contacted Ms Ley for comment.