Secret Liberal Leadership Summit at Paterson's Home Ends in Stalemate
The simmering tensions within the Liberal Party have been brought into sharp focus following revelations of a clandestine breakfast meeting between leadership rivals Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie. The gathering, held at the Melbourne home of Senator James Paterson, was intended to consolidate the party's conservative faction but concluded without a clear resolution.
A Gathering in Melbourne's Wealthy Enclave
The much-discussed private catch-up took place on Thursday morning in the affluent suburb of Hawthorn. The meeting was hosted at Senator Paterson's newly acquired $2.5 million property, which is registered in his wife Lydia's name. This location, in one of Melbourne's most prestigious neighbourhoods, provided the backdrop for critical discussions about the future direction of the opposition.
West Australian MP Andrew Hastie arrived at the property accompanied by Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonathon Duniam and WA Senator Matt O'Sullivan. Defence spokesman Angus Taylor, a former energy minister, arrived separately approximately forty minutes later. The timing of the summit proved particularly sensitive, occurring just hours before the memorial service for former Liberal MP Dr Katie Allen.
Paterson's Pivotal Role and Party Dynamics
Senator James Paterson's exact role in the proceedings remains ambiguous. While he has publicly declared his continued support for Sussan Ley, his decision to host this gathering has raised questions about whether he was acting as peacemaker, powerbroker, or potential kingmaker within party circles.
The fundamental impasse stems from both Taylor and Hastie's determination to challenge Ley's leadership, yet neither contender appears willing to concede ground to the other. This deadlock effectively prevents either from mounting a credible challenge, as the conservative vote would likely split between them.
Post-Funeral Activities and Club Controversy
Following Dr Allen's memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral, Andrew Hastie's movements attracted additional scrutiny from Liberal insiders. The West Australian MP visited the Athenaeum Club, an exclusive private members' establishment on Collins Street in Melbourne's central business district.
The club maintains a policy of admitting only male members, though women may attend as guests. This visit has raised eyebrows within party ranks, particularly given ongoing concerns about the Liberal Party's appeal to female voters and broader cultural perceptions.
Complex Factional Calculations and Leadership Speculation
The conservative wing of the Liberal Party finds itself deeply divided over potential leadership alternatives. While conservatives generally favour Hastie, several moderate figures have indicated they "won't touch him," creating a significant obstacle to any potential leadership bid.
Hastie faces particular criticism regarding his past stance on Baby Priya's Law, legislation guaranteeing paid parental leave for parents of stillborn or deceased infants. Senator Jane Hume, a influential voice in leadership discussions, has been especially vocal in her criticism, expressing horror that colleagues had politicised this sensitive issue.
Meanwhile, Taylor's supporters present him as a more traditional conservative leader who might appeal to both the party's right wing and moderate elements. However, sceptics question whether he possesses the necessary appeal to broaden the party's support base, particularly among female voters.
Moderate Support and External Criticism
Moderate figures within the Liberal Party continue to back Sussan Ley, calculating that the ongoing deadlock between her potential challengers might ultimately protect her position. They acknowledge the party's polling has deteriorated under her leadership but argue that further instability would only accelerate this decline.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed astonishment that such a meeting occurred on the day of Dr Allen's funeral, stating his heart went out to her family and friends during a media conference in Cairns.
Deputy Leader Ted O'Brien has sought to downplay the significance of these developments, publicly stating he doesn't anticipate any leadership challenge when Parliament resumes next week. He praised Ley for her "strength and dignity" in handling recent parliamentary debates and Coalition tensions.
Broader Political Context and Memorial Service
The leadership discussions unfolded against the poignant backdrop of Dr Katie Allen's memorial service. The paediatrician and former Higgins MP revealed in May she had been diagnosed with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of liver cancer, shortly after contesting the seat of Chisholm for the Liberals. Her family announced her passing on December 23rd.
The service at St Paul's Cathedral brought together figures from across the political spectrum, including Ley, former leader Peter Dutton, Howard-era treasurer Peter Costello, numerous frontbenchers, and representatives from Labor and independent ranks.
As the Liberal Party navigates these internal tensions, the fundamental question remains whether the current leadership uncertainty represents a temporary disturbance or signals deeper structural challenges within Australia's primary opposition force.
