Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes has expressed reservations about Angus Taylor’s suitability as a potential leader of the Liberal Party following a significant electoral defeat. This election marked a historically poor performance for the party, with former leader Peter Dutton losing his seat and the party’s overall seat count plummeting to just 39, allowing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to secure a majority with 87 seats.
In an interview with ABC, Senator Hughes raised concerns regarding the Coalition’s lack of a cohesive economic strategy, the responsibility for which falls under Taylor’s role as shadow treasurer. She criticised the party for not having an effective economic narrative to communicate, especially in the context of the current cost-of-living crisis which, she claimed, went unchallenged by Labour’s Treasurer Jim Chalmers. Hughes remarked, “I have concerns about his capability. I feel we had zero economic policy to sell… I don’t know what he’s been doing for three years.”
Hughes also suggested that discontent about the economic messaging extends beyond her, with other members of both the Coalition and Labor sharing similar sentiments. She questioned whether moving Taylor from shadow treasurer to opposition leader would rectify the underlying issues, given their previous inadequacies during the election.
Responding to the situation, Chalmers remarked that it would be “extraordinary” for Taylor to be rewarded with a leadership position after such underwhelming electoral results. He underscored that it would be inappropriate for Taylor to evade accountability following the Liberal Party’s “diabolical” performance, adding, “It is time for Angus Taylor to take responsibility.”
The outcome of the election has been particularly significant, as Dutton has become the first opposition leader in Australia to lose both his seat and an election simultaneously. His defeat came at the hands of Labor candidate Ali France, and the Australian Electoral Commission continues to verify results, although the major outcomes appear unlikely to change.
In light of their losses, Liberal members, including Senator Dave Sharma, have stressed the imperative of reforming the party’s image and policies to regain voter confidence, particularly in urban areas. Sharma noted, “There is no way we can ever hope to be the party of government unless we rebuild our appeal.”
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that Labour will observe the Liberal Party’s leadership transition with interest but refrained from offering any advice on their future direction.