Howard Backs Sussan Ley Amid Liberal Party Turmoil
Former prime minister John Howard has called on the Liberal Party to unite behind opposition leader Sussan Ley as internal tensions threaten her leadership. Ongoing divisions and poor polling have intensified scrutiny within the party.
Howard Urges Unity
Howard encouraged his colleagues to rally behind Ley, stressing that despite his long absence from parliament, she deserves a fair chance to prove herself.
"I haven’t been a member of parliament for almost 20 years — long time — and the world has changed, but I think Sussan Ley has got to be given a go,"
he told AAP.
He further urged party members to stop internal disputes and support Ley in stabilizing the coalition leadership.
"My request to the colleagues is to give her that go, get behind her."
Internal Pressures and Divisions
Liberal senator Sarah Henderson recently said Ms Ley was losing party support, igniting further speculation about her leadership. However, Ley dismissed the speculation, saying she was “not commenting on commentary.”
The Liberal Party faces growing discord over its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Recent polls showing the coalition’s primary vote dropping to a record low of 24 percent have deepened the crisis.
Howard’s Perspective on Party Challenges
Howard, who previously served four terms before losing to Labor’s Kevin Rudd in 2007, emphasized the importance of the coalition with the Nationals for the party’s future success.
"It is foolish to say the party is in the worst state it has ever been,"
he said.
He argued that focusing on clear policies and rebuilding public trust could help the Liberals recover their footing.
"The Liberal Party is going through a bad phase, but if it focuses on policy, works out quickly what it believes in and stands for, and resumes the task of arguing and persuading, it can recover."
Author’s Summary
John Howard called for unity within the Liberal Party, urging colleagues to back Sussan Ley while emphasizing policy focus and persistence as keys to recovery.