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In the coming weeks, she plans to engage with her constituents, expressing gratitude for their support throughout her 25-year tenure in parliament.
“Soon after, I will submit my resignation to the speaker,” Ley announced to the media in Canberra during her farewell speech.
“I’m unsure of what lies ahead for me, but I am eager to completely and thoroughly step away from public life,” she remarked.
Ley shared her intentions to spend quality time with her family and rekindle her passion for aviation.
Having earned her commercial pilot’s license at just 19, she initially worked as an aerial stock-mustering pilot before renewing her flying credentials in 2024.
“Which taught me, if I had an ego, I’d be dead,” Ley joked of her flying career.
“It’s been quite useful in politics”
Her resignation will trigger a by-election in the seat of Farrer.
She acknowledged her short tenure as opposition leader had been “tough” and came with sleepless nights.
Ley was the first woman in history to be elected leader of the federal Liberal Party.
“There is no doubt that it has been a challenging time to lead the party after we suffered the worst defeat in 81 years,” Ley said.
Referencing often-touted punk rock past, Ley finished by saying she would continue to find wisdom in the music’s enduring motif – “a fearless and honest belief in yourself”.
During her speech, Ley said there was “no hard feelings” associated with Taylor’s leadership challenge.
“Today I want to express gratitude for the Liberal party that I have known and loved for half of my adult life,” she added.
“I wish Angus Taylor well.
“I know that he has experience, energy and drive.”
Ley spent nine months leading the party after the opposition’s thumping 2025 federal election defeat under Peter Dutton.
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