Sussan Ley Announces Political Exit After Leadership Spill
Sussan Ley has declared she will soon quit politics, stating she intends to step away "completely and comprehensively" from public life. This decision comes after her tenure as Liberal leader concluded abruptly, lasting just 276 days. Ley made the announcement on Friday, following her deposition as opposition leader by Angus Taylor in a dramatic leadership ballot.
Angus Taylor Secures Leadership with Immigration Focus
Angus Taylor emerged victorious in the leadership contest, toppling Ley by a decisive margin of 34 votes to 17. Senator Jane Hume was elected as his deputy, marking a new chapter for the Liberal party. In his first public comments as leader, Taylor placed immigration at the forefront of his agenda, asserting that "the door must be shut" on individuals who do not align with what he termed "Australian values". This shift in tone signals a potential hardening of the party's stance on immigration issues.
Political Reactions and Analysis
The leadership change sparked sharp reactions from across the political spectrum. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull offered a critical assessment, remarking that some have characterised Taylor as "the best-qualified idiot they've ever met". Meanwhile, pollster and former Liberal strategist Tony Barry provided analysis, suggesting that while Ley has become today's scapegoat, she was never the core problem facing the party. This internal scrutiny highlights ongoing divisions and challenges within the Liberal ranks.
Other Key News Developments
In addition to the political upheaval, several other significant stories are unfolding:
- The NSW police watchdog has launched an investigation into alleged police brutality during a Sydney protest against Isaac Herzog.
- A US man connected to the Wieambilla shooters has been sentenced to three years in prison.
- Health star ratings are set to become mandatory on all packaged food products in Australia.
- There is backlash after jerseys from nations "involved in major conflict" were banned from the A-League multicultural round.
- Donald Trump has doubled down on a racist video, claiming no staffer has been disciplined.
- Bikinis have been banned on Sydney buses due to "cleanliness" concerns.
Entertainment and Sports Highlights
In the entertainment world, Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi returned to Australia for the premiere of "Wuthering Heights" at Sydney's State Theatre, celebrating with friends and family. On the sports front, Cooper Woods secured Australia's seventh Winter Olympics gold medal in the men's moguls final, delivering a standout performance under pressure. In ice dancing, the French duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron won gold by a narrow margin, though their achievement is shadowed by allegations involving their former partners.
