Live News Update: Liberals React to Leadership and Global Events
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Scott Buchholz Defends Sussan Ley’s Leadership Style
Opposition skills and training spokesman Scott Buchholz warned against mistaking Sussan Ley’s "feminine politeness for weakness." The Queensland MP praised Ley’s performance despite challenging circumstances but noted the party is adjusting to her different leadership style.
“Don’t mistake her feminine politeness for weakness. We have come from a previous leadership style of authoritarian [under Dutton] to now a consultative, and some people mistake that, but there are just different styles of leadership.”
Criticism of Previous Leadership and Senator Henderson
Buchholz criticized Ley’s predecessor Peter Dutton’s leadership as “authoritarian.” He also condemned Victorian Liberal senator Sarah Henderson’s comments earlier in the day, calling them “career-limiting.”
Party Climate After Election Defeat
The party is currently experiencing a period of grief following its election defeat in May and is in need of time to recover and heal, according to Buchholz.
“The party was going through a period of grief after the election defeat in May, and needed time to heal.”
A belated good afternoon from Alexander Darling in Melbourne, taking over live coverage.
Summary: Scott Buchholz urges patience as the party adapts to Sussan Ley’s consultative leadership style amid ongoing tensions and recovery from an election loss.