Ley, a prominent figure from the party’s moderate wing, narrowly defeated conservative contender Angus Taylor by just four votes. Her elevation to the leadership follows the Liberal-National coalition’s crushing defeat in the 3 May federal election — widely considered one of the worst in the coalition’s history.

Political analysts and party insiders have pointed to divisive leadership, an incoherent campaign strategy, and polarising policies often compared to "Trumpian" rhetoric as major contributors to the loss. These factors, they say, alienated key demographics — particularly women and younger voters.

With Labor’s Anthony Albanese officially sworn in as Prime Minister at Government House on Tuesday, his party now holds at least 93 seats — a gain of 16 — while the Liberal-National coalition has seen its numbers dwindle to 42, with some seats still undecided.

A New Chapter for the Liberals

Sussan Ley, who has represented the rural New South Wales seat of Farrer since 2001, brings decades of experience to the role. She previously served in senior ministerial positions and was deputy leader of the Liberal Party under Dutton.

Queensland MP Ted O’Brien, formerly the coalition’s energy spokesperson and a key advocate of its controversial nuclear policy, has been named Ley’s deputy.

In her first remarks as leader, Ley emphasized a need for reform and reconnection with the Australian public — especially groups that felt sidelined by the party’s recent direction.

“We must have a Liberal Party that respects, reflects, and represents modern Australia,” she said. “And we have to meet people where they are.”

Ley confirmed the party would undergo a comprehensive internal review, including its policy positions on nuclear energy and climate targets.

“I want a fresh approach. There will be no unilateral decisions from me — we’ll work through every policy collaboratively and thoughtfully,” she added.

Angus Taylor, despite his defeat, congratulated Ley and called for unity within the party, praising her career and calling her leadership a "milestone" moment.

Coalition Turmoil and Labor Cabinet Reshuffle

The Nationals, the junior partner in the coalition, re-elected David Littleproud as leader on Monday, fending off a challenge from a more hardline conservative opponent.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Albanese unveiled a refreshed cabinet lineup. Key changes include Tanya Plibersek moving from the environment to social services portfolio, and Michelle Rowland stepping into the role of Attorney-General. Notably, Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic, the first Muslim to hold a ministerial position in Australia, were removed from the frontbench.

“I believe we’ve assembled the right people in the right roles,” Albanese said when announcing the reshuffle.

A Remarkable Journey

Sussan Ley's life story is marked by resilience and variety. Born in Nigeria to English parents, she spent part of her youth in the UAE before migrating to Australia at age 13. Her unconventional upbringing and experiences helped shape a fiercely independent spirit.

“I think you either sink or swim — and I wasn’t going to sink,” she once reflected.

As a young adult, she famously changed her name from Susan to Sussan, inspired by numerology — a decision she said was motivated by a desire for a more exciting and dynamic life.

Her professional life has been equally diverse. She juggled motherhood while earning degrees in economics and accounting, qualified as a commercial pilot, and worked on outback livestock stations.

Ley entered federal parliament in 2001 and rose to Health Minister in 2014 under Malcolm Turnbull. She resigned in 2017 amid controversy over taxpayer-funded travel expenses, having purchased an apartment during an official trip. Despite the scandal, she returned to the frontbench in 2019 as Environment Minister under Scott Morrison.

In that role, she faced legal challenges from youth activists demanding government accountability on climate change, though a landmark ruling holding her responsible for protecting children from environmental harm was later overturned.

Ley has also sparked attention for her stance on Middle East issues. A former co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Palestine, she once spoke in support of Palestinian self-determination. However, colleagues such as Andrew Wallace have recently remarked that she has shifted her position, becoming more supportive of Israel in recent years.

As the Liberal Party attempts to rebuild from electoral disaster, Ley's leadership represents both a break from the past and a signal of internal change. Whether this historic moment translates into renewed public trust remains to be seen.