Andrew Hastie Withdraws from Liberal Leadership Challenge Against Sussan Ley

Hastie Ends Leadership Speculation

Andrew Hastie, a prominent Liberal Member of Parliament from Western Australia, has officially abandoned his plans to challenge Sussan Ley for the leadership of the Liberal Party. The decision, announced on Friday, January 30, 2026, followed a week of intense speculation regarding a potential leadership contest within the Australian opposition party.

Context of the Challenge

The prospect of a leadership challenge emerged amid significant pressure on Sussan Ley's leadership, particularly following a second breakup of the Coalition in eight months. Ley currently serves as the Leader of the Opposition and leader of the Liberal Party, a role she assumed in May 2025, making her the first woman to hold either position. Prior to this, she was the Deputy Liberal Leader from 2022 to 2025. Hastie, who had previously resigned from the shadow cabinet in October 2025 over disagreements concerning immigration policy, was seen as a potential contender alongside frontbencher Angus Taylor.

Hastie Cites Lack of Support

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, Hastie confirmed his withdrawal, explaining that he lacked the necessary backing from his colleagues. He stated, '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.' This decision came after a meeting on Thursday in Melbourne between Hastie and Angus Taylor, where they reportedly failed to reach an agreement on which of them would challenge Ley.

Implications for the Liberal Party

Hastie's withdrawal has cleared the path for Angus Taylor to potentially emerge as the Right faction's candidate in a future challenge to Sussan Ley. Sources close to Taylor have indicated that a challenge from him is still considered 'a question of when, not if.' For Sussan Ley, Hastie's decision has been interpreted as a strengthening of her position, demonstrating a lack of unity among her conservative opponents. Despite being 'written off' by pundits and some MPs just a week prior, Ley appears to have weathered this immediate leadership storm.