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Sussan Ley has officially resigned from her position as the representative of her New South Wales electorate, a seat she has held for 25 years. Her departure, announced on Friday morning, sets the stage for a by-election.
Just a fortnight ago, Ley was unseated by Angus Taylor in a leadership contest within the Liberal Party, losing the vote 17 to 34. This significant political shift prompted Ley to declare her intention to step down from parliamentary duties.
In the aftermath of the leadership spill, Ley confirmed her decision to exit the political arena altogether, stating, “I look forward to stepping away completely and comprehensively from public life, to spend time with my family.”
In a statement shared earlier today, Ley also indicated that she would not be returning to parliament to deliver a valedictory speech, a formal address typically given by departing members.
In a statement released this morning, she said she would not return to parliament for a valedictory speech (a formal farewell address).
“I am confident that my efforts and achievements over 25 years will speak for themselves; as a local member, minister in four Coalition governments and leader of the Liberal Party, as well as in the minds of the many people whose lives touched mine along the way.”
Ley was the first female leader of the Liberal Party and the Opposition.
Having become the first woman to lead not just the federal Liberal Party, but any federal Opposition, was “a milestone for all women to be proud of,” she wrote in her statement today.
“I hope I have paved the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed in, both these roles.”
“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.”
Liberal representative ‘vital’ for Farrer
Ley has represented the south-west NSW seat of Farrer since 2001, following the retirement of the electorate’s previous representative, National Party MP Tim Fischer.
“Naturally, I am sad to no longer represent my electorate of Farrer,” Ley said.
“The people and their stories will always be with me. Farming families battling fires, dust storms, drought and low irrigation allocations; small business owners breathing activity into quiet streets and local volunteers asking for so little but doing so much.”
Ley said it’s vital a Liberal member is elected in the by-election, as it’s “vital for the betterment and ongoing strength of our region”.
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