Sussan Ley has remained discreet regarding criticisms of her leadership, maintaining that the Liberal Party stays “united” despite claims from a backbencher that she is losing party room confidence. Ley recently broke her silence on doubts about her suitability to lead the Coalition, while a colleague suggested her support is waning within the party.
The Liberals are expected to resolve an intense dispute over a controversial emissions target and finalize their energy policy platform next week. This follows months of internal Coalition conflicts that have unsettled Ms. Ley’s position, including pointed remarks made by Liberal senator Sarah Henderson.
On Friday morning, Senator Henderson refrained from endorsing Ms. Ley during an interview. When asked directly if she backs Ms. Ley as opposition leader, she hesitated before stating to Sky News:
“I am just going to say at the moment that I cannot support the way things are.”
In Canberra, Ms. Ley declined to respond to leadership speculations, emphasizing her appreciation for every team member, including Senator Henderson.
“In order to interrogate her views, you should probably ask her, I’m not commenting on commentary.”
She reiterated that the Liberal Party remains “united through its values.”
Sussan Ley defends party unity amid leadership doubts while the Liberals prepare to address key policy disputes next week.