Daily London
Andrew Hastie will not challenge Opposition Leader Sussan Ley for leadership of the Liberal Party next week.
The development paves the way for a challenge from senior Liberals figure Angus Taylor.
“Over the past few weeks there has been speculation about the future leadership of the Liberal Party of Australia,” Hastie said.
“I’ve previously stated that I would welcome the opportunity to serve my party and our country as leader of the Liberal Party.
“But having consulted with colleagues over the past week and respecting their honest feedback to me, it is clear that I do not have the support needed to become leader of the Liberal Party.”
Hastie said he would continue to campaign on issues including immigration and energy.
“I believe that those families and our country are best served by a strong Coalition government,” he said.
“I will continue to work every day to make my party the very best version of itself.”
Hastie joined several of his Liberal colleagues, including Taylor, for a meeting yesterday before a memorial service for former colleague and federal MP Katie Allen in Melbourne.
The Liberal figures were meant to discuss the next steps at the gathering but were unable to resolve which of them might step up should Ley be convinced to step down.
Their mediator, Liberal frontbencher James Paterson, told ABC Radio he believed Ley still had the backing of her colleagues.
”In my assessment, Sussan continues to enjoy the support of the majorIty of the party room,” he said.
Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien and Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie echoed Paterson’s sentiments.
“I don’t believe there will be a challenge next week,” O’Brien said.
“I cannot see the spill motion getting up on Monday,” McKenzie said.
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