That question is expected to be answered today when the Liberals meet to elect their leader.
After a full week of speculation, Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley formally announced her candidacy for Liberal leadership on Friday.
During the previous term, Ms Ley was deputy leader to Peter Dutton, who failed to regain his Queensland seat of Dickson on May 3.
Ms Ley’s challenger is Angus Taylor, who was shadow treasurer under Mr Dutton.
Political experts and metropolitan news outlets are suggesting Ms Ley has the backing of “party elders” and “Liberal heavyweights”, while others question whether her understanding of the economy is strong enough to be leader.
But Mr Taylor’s economic strengths have also been questioned, with some blaming his policies for the reduced Coalition support at the polls.
Ms Ley said, based on discussions with politicians and everyday Australians since the election, the Liberals must do more on economic policy, and to repair a feeling of neglect from women and young people in particular.
“It is clear that we got it wrong, and that Australia expects a change in direction and a fresh approach from the Liberal Party,” she said.
“The Liberal Party needs to listen to the Australian people and meet them where they are. We need to understand their aspirations.
“We need to build a new economic narrative. We need new policy offerings that show Australians we can help them and their families get ahead.
“We need to listen, and we need to change. The Liberal Party must respect modern Australia, reflect modern Australia and represent modern Australia.
“Many Australians, including women and younger Australians, feel neglected by the Liberal Party.
“We must rebuild trust with all sections of Australian society, and my election as Leader of the Liberal Party would send a very strong signal that we understand things need to be done differently.”
Ms Ley said as leader, she would draw on the “enormous depth of talent” in the party room.
“We will carefully develop policies through our robust party room processes, supported by our broader membership, to deliver better outcomes for all Australians.
“Under my leadership, these policies will always be guided by the timeless values which were the foundation of Menzies’ Liberal Party.”
In his candidacy statement, Mr Taylor said the party must “offer Australians something more than opposition”.
“And that means being ready – not just to hold Labor to account, but to show that we’re fit to govern again,’ he said.
“After the result on Saturday (May 3), we owe it to our members, our supporters, and the millions of Australians who believe in our cause to regroup, rebuild, and get back in the fight.
“We must restore the party around the values that make us strong: sound economic management and personal responsibility; national security; aspiration and reward for effort; and, a vibrant private sector that creates jobs and opportunity.
“These values are the bedrock of Australia’s prosperity and the Liberal Party’s success.
“But this is not just about values. It’s about delivering results and that starts with deep renewal.
“We need policies that speak to Australians across all walks of life.”
The vote for Liberal leader is expected to take place today.
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