Liberal Party members gathered in Melbourne for a memorial service honoring former colleague Katie Allen, but the occasion became overshadowed by leadership machinations. During this event, two ambitious politicians—Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor—met to discuss their competing aspirations to challenge current party leader Sussan Ley.
The meeting itself was widely publicized and attended by conservative factional figures James Paterson and Jonno Duniam. Both Hastie and Taylor represent the party’s right wing, yet they cannot allow their rivalry to fracture the conservative vote they would need to succeed. The timing appeared problematic given the somber occasion, particularly since several attendees hold frontbench positions under Ley’s leadership.
The discussion yielded no resolution, suggesting further negotiations lie ahead. The Liberals’ leadership agony continues, as the party grapples with internal turbulence.
Comparative Analysis of Contenders
Angus Taylor, 59, entered parliament in 2013 with an impressive resume including an economics degree, Rhodes Scholarship, and successful business ventures. He served as shadow treasurer under Peter Dutton but received lukewarm assessments from colleagues regarding his parliamentary performance against Treasurer Jim Chalmers.
Andrew Hastie, 43, follows a markedly different trajectory. A former Special Air Service captain who served in Afghanistan, he entered parliament during the dramatic 2015 byelection following Tony Abbott’s prime ministerial fall. His tenure as opposition defence spokesman drew criticism for ordinary performance, and he subsequently resigned from his home affairs position over disagreements about immigration policy involvement.
Key Differences
Both men identify as socially conservative, though Hastie holds stronger convictions on social issues. Taylor demonstrates conventional economic orthodoxy as a “dry,” while Hastie displays nostalgic positions, notably lamenting Australia’s automotive industry decline. Hastie cultivates support among younger, impatient party members seeking generational renewal, whereas Taylor faces accusations of “born to rule” attitudes.
Structural Challenges
Neither candidate presents compelling credentials for contemporary Australian politics. The fundamental problem extends beyond individual personalities to structural political realities. The Liberal Party faces persistent challenges attracting female voters, who increasingly support Labor. Prime Minister Albanese strategically emphasizes women’s representation and implements policies addressing childcare, parental leave, and superannuation improvements.
More significantly, contemporary voters increasingly expect expansive government intervention and direct assistance with cost-of-living pressures—priorities that fundamentally conflict with traditional Liberal positioning favoring smaller government and fiscal restraint. Pandemic effects have reinforced these expectations, reducing public concern about national debt and deficits.
The times don’t suit the Liberals, and the Liberals don’t have top people to suit the times. Worse for them, there is no sign of either of those things changing.
