As it happened: Liberals bewildered after Henderson refuses to support Ley
Follow the latest live updates from Australia and globally. Opposition skills and training spokesman Scott Buchholz urged people not to confuse Sussan Ley’s "feminine politeness" with weakness.
Leadership Styles Under Debate
The Queensland MP contrasted Ley’s leadership style with that of her predecessor, Peter Dutton, describing Dutton’s approach as "authoritarian."
“Don’t mistake her feminine politeness for weakness. 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.”
Buchholz praised Ley's efforts despite challenging circumstances and commented on the party's current struggles with leadership style.
Comments on Henderson's Criticism
After being informed of Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson’s statements this morning, Buchholz called them “career-limiting comments.”
He explained the party is in a period of grieving following the election defeat in May and needs time to recover.
“I see Sussan doing incredible things, given the circumstances that she’s been having to do with it. I think what the party’s struggling with is the style of leadership that Susan brings.”
Newsroom Update
A late good afternoon from Alexander Darling in Melbourne, continuing coverage from Kayla Olaya after a busy hour.
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Author’s summary: The Liberal Party faces internal tension over leadership style, with contrasting views on Sussan Ley’s approach following recent election challenges.