Angus Taylor's Leadership Ambition Faces Scrutiny
Angus Taylor has long been heralded as a future leader of the Liberal Party, but his recent bid to topple Sussan Ley as opposition leader has ignited debates over his substance versus style. After weeks of meticulous number-cobbling, Taylor resigned from the shadow cabinet to challenge Ley, who narrowly defeated him by a handful of votes in last year's leadership contest. Promising "strong and decisive leadership," Taylor aims to restore the struggling Liberal Party, yet many colleagues remain skeptical of his capabilities.
A Glossy CV and High Expectations
Even before entering federal parliament in 2013, Taylor was touted as a potential prime minister. Described as "smart, rich, and handsome," he boasts a Rhodes scholarship, a background in management consulting, and deep roots in New South Wales' Monaro region. His CV, often deemed "too good to be true," includes advising on major projects like New Zealand's Fonterra cooperative and Victorian gas initiatives. However, critics argue that his impressive resume masks a lack of tangible policy achievements.
Colleagues Voice Doubts and Criticisms
Internal Liberal sources question Taylor's leadership qualities, pointing to his limited success in building coalitions and strategic vision. One insider remarked, "The problem with Angus is that he does not actually do anything." Others highlight his controversial tenure as energy minister, where he was involved in dismantling Malcolm Turnbull's National Energy Guarantee. Despite backing Peter Dutton in past leadership spills, Taylor's economic policy work has been criticized as insufficient, with some blaming him for the Coalition's weak economic critique of Labor.
Controversies and Scandals Loom Large
Taylor's political career has been marred by several controversies. In 2019, he faced scrutiny over water rights deals linked to a company he helped establish, though he denied personal benefit. Another incident involved falsified figures used to attack Sydney's lord mayor, Clover Moore, leading to a police investigation that was later dropped. Additionally, a story about American author Naomi Wolf in his maiden speech sparked accusations of antisemitic dog-whistling, which Taylor firmly rejected.
Personal Life and Political Alliances
Born in Cooma and raised near Nimmitabel, Taylor is a father of four with a passion for cycling and triathlons. Friends describe him as loyal and family-oriented, with an obsession for his corgis, Frankie and Violet. Politically, he aligns with conservative figures like Tony Abbott and has supporters including Sarah Henderson and James Paterson. His attempt to recruit Jacinta Nampijinpa Price to the Liberals last year failed, adding to his challenges.
The Road Ahead for Taylor and the Liberals
As Taylor vies for leadership, he faces the task of quickly rolling out policies on cost-of-living and immigration. Labor has already targeted him, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers mocking his "failed upwards" trajectory. In his maiden speech, Taylor emphasized that politics should be about "leadership, service, and making an enduring difference." Whether he can translate this vision into reality remains to be seen, as the Liberal Party seeks a revival under potential new leadership.
