Deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien has voiced strong support for party leader Sussan Ley, saying he has “faith” in her leadership as parliament braces for another volatile week.
Speaking on Sunday, O’Brien said he had not encountered dissent within Liberal ranks over Ley’s recent decisions and believed she was capable of navigating a path back to a reunited Coalition.
His comments come ahead of a Nationals party room meeting where David Littleproud is expected to face a leadership challenge, further fuelling uncertainty over the Coalition’s future.
O’Brien dismissed speculation that Angus Taylor was preparing a challenge against Ley, saying Taylor continued to contribute positively to the leadership team and had not stepped aside from the shadow cabinet.
He also denied knowledge of discussions held at a reported private Liberal meeting focused on Ley’s leadership, insisting he was not present and would not speculate on what was said.
Ruling himself out of any leadership bid, O’Brien said his focus remained firmly on economic policy, arguing Australians were feeling poorer amid inflation and rising living costs.
On the Coalition split, O’Brien said reunification would require serious talks following the Nationals meeting. He accused Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of politicising the division, particularly over parliamentary staffing allocations, while reiterating the Liberals’ priority was restoring a strong economy.
