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Andrew Hastie has decided against running against Opposition Leader Sussan Ley in the upcoming Liberal Party leadership contest.
This decision clears the path for Angus Taylor, a prominent figure within the party, to potentially challenge for the leadership.
“In recent weeks, there has been much discussion regarding the future leadership of the Liberal Party of Australia,” Hastie remarked.
“I have expressed my interest in leading the Liberal Party to serve both the party and the nation,” he continued.
“However, after consulting with my colleagues and taking their candid feedback into consideration, it is evident that I do not have the necessary support to lead the Liberal Party,” Hastie concluded.
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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