Australia’s Senior Liberal MP Taylor Resigns from Shadow Cabinet

2026-02-11 07:42:57

(MENAFN) Angus Taylor, a prominent figure in the Australian Liberal Party’s conservative wing, resigned from Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s shadow cabinet on Wednesday night, escalating speculation about an imminent leadership challenge.

Taylor, who serves as the party’s defense spokesman, confirmed his decision to step down from Ley’s frontbench following mounting reports that he is positioning himself to contest her leadership.

Speaking outside Parliament House in Canberra, Taylor said: "I don't believe Sussan Ley is in a position to be able to lead the party, as it needs to be led from here." He also warned that the Liberal Party is in its worst state since its founding in 1944.

Reports indicate that Taylor’s resignation could trigger a wave of departures from the shadow cabinet by his supporters.

Ley has headed the Liberal Party since May 2025, narrowly defeating Taylor in a leadership ballot after the party endured its worst electoral result on record earlier that month.

Recent polling suggests voter support for the Liberal Party has continued to decline under Ley’s leadership, adding pressure to the opposition leader’s position.

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