Former Liberal leader Sussan Ley resigns from parliament

Former Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has formally resigned from parliament, but not without taking a subtle swipe at those who ousted her as the party’s first woman in the top job.

On Friday, Ms Ley hoped her achievements — including being the first female leader of the opposition — would carve a path for women to “succeed” in future leadership roles.

“I believe my election as the first woman to ever lead not just the federal Liberal Party, but any federal opposition, is a milestone for all women to be proud of,” she said in a statement.

“I hope I have paved the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed in, both these roles.

“It will be for commentators and historians to measure the period of my leadership, but I am proud that we were instrumental in establishing a Commonwealth Royal Commission into anti-Semitism and that we set clear directions on several key policy areas in tax, industrial relations, energy, national security, and families.

“I welcome the Coalition’s immediate re-adoption of many of these directions and policies in recent days and weeks.”

Ms Ley’s exit will trigger a by-election in her electorate and sets up a four-way battle with the Nationals, Liberals, One Nation and a Climate-200 backed independent, all vying for the lower house seat.

But Ms Ley confirmed she would back a Liberal MP to take over her role.

“The election of a Liberal member in the Farrer by-election is vital for the betterment and ongoing strength of our region and I know that Angus Taylor can and will ensure the party continues to enjoy the support, trust and confidence of the people of Farrer,” she said.

Earlier, she said she was “sad” to no longer represent Farrer.

“I love the wide western plains of New South Wales, the country towns along the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and the thriving cities of Albury and Griffith; communities that it has been my enormous privilege to serve for almost 25 years,” she said.

Ms Ley expressed gratitude to her Liberal colleagues for giving her the opportunity to serve as leader, especially in the wake of its historic election loss.

“After the Liberal Party suffered our worst defeat in 81 years, it was with gratitude and humility that I took on the role of leader of our party. I was elected by my parliamentary colleagues and I thank them once again for the opportunity to serve,” she said.

She later added: “In this luckiest country, that is unfinished business for all of us. Australia is best served by Coalition governments and I particularly wish every one of my (now former) colleagues well as they work diligently and determinedly to win government.”

In a statement, House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick said the office was considering possible dates for the Farrer by-election and “will make an announcement in due course”.

Later, Mr Taylor was asked about Ms Ley’s resignation at a press conference, to which he said: “Sussan (Ley) has made a massive contribution to the Liberal Party, to our nation over a long period of time as a member of parliament, as the member for Farrer, and of course, as someone who was a minister in four different governments.” “She also played an important role taking on the leadership of the party, as she did after the 2025 election, which was a devastating election for the Liberal Party,” he said.

“And her work ethic has been relentless, and we all thank her for the contribution she has made.”