As it happened: Liberals bewildered after Henderson refuses to support Ley; GTA VI delayed again; World leaders slam Trump at COP30
Follow the latest live updates from Australia and beyond. Political tension continues within the Liberal Party after Victorian senator Sarah Henderson declined to support deputy leader Sussan Ley, prompting mixed reactions among party members.
Scott Buchholz defends Sussan Ley
Opposition skills and training spokesman Scott Buchholz cautioned observers not to misinterpret Sussan Ley’s approach to leadership.
“Don’t mistake her feminine politeness for weakness,” Buchholz said after a party event in Canberra.
The Queensland MP also described Ley’s predecessor Peter Dutton’s leadership as authoritarian, contrasting it with Ley’s more consultative style.
“We have come from a previous leadership style of authoritarian [under Dutton] to now a consultative, and some people mistake that, but there are just different styles of leadership.”
Reaction to Sarah Henderson’s remarks
Buchholz said he had not yet heard Henderson’s earlier comments on Ley’s leadership, but after being informed, he referred to them as potentially career-limiting.
“I’d say those were career-limiting comments,” he noted.
Liberal Party in recovery mode
Buchholz acknowledged the party is still processing its loss from the May election and requires time to recover and unify after internal divisions. He emphasized patience and internal healing during this transitional phase.
From the newsroom
Alexander Darling signed on from Melbourne, taking over live coverage from Kayla Olaya, noting it had already been a busy hour in Australian politics.
Author’s Summary
The Liberal Party faces renewed internal strain as Scott Buchholz defends Sussan Ley’s leadership style while tensions rise following Sarah Henderson’s refusal to support her.