In a historic first, Sussan Ley has been elected the first-ever woman to lead the Australian Liberal Party. In a close ballot against leadership contender Angus Taylor – a mere 4 votes separated them – Ley was announced as the victor, and just like that, the deeply emblematic blue-tie wearing uniform of all previous Lib leaders has been discarded in the name of diversity. Welcome to this century, Australian Liberal Party.
Ley certainly has all the credentials to lead the 80-year-old institution. With a 24-year career in Australian parliament, she has much to offer the embattled party now in rebuilding mode after the catastrophic loss at the recent Federal election. She has worked as a cabinet minister in governments under Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison, and was the Deputy Leader of the Opposition since 2022. Outside of politics, Ley holds a pilot license, has worked as an air traffic controller, a farmer, and a public servant. She holds multiple degrees and is also a mother and grandmother.
According to folklore, she also apparently changed her birth name in her 20s from Susan to “Sussan” in a bid to live a bigger life. Respect for that bold move.
Is Sussan Ley Facing the Glass Cliff in Her New Leadership Role?
But despite all the qualifications and accolades, there are many words of warning that Ley has just accepted a classic glass cliff offer. For those who haven’t been keeping score, that’s the phenomenon where women get handed leadership positions precisely when things are going catastrophically wrong and the probability of failure is through the roof. How convenient!
Surely it’s not just a coincidence that the Liberal Party chose this exact moment to publicly support the notion that a woman is qualified to lead its party. After decades of men keeping the Good Ship Conservative afloat in an ocean of 1950s ideology, the party’s power brokers have suddenly decided that yes, perhaps it’s time to let a woman try her hand at this whole “leadership” thing.
Facing a gargantuan task to reunite factions, shore up the fanbase, and lead a depleted Opposition, it seems the subtext is crystal clear: when Ley inevitably fails to perform a literal miracle, the old guard can sagely nod and reassure themselves that they were right all along.
Will Sussan Ley Overcome the Odds and Lead the Liberal Party to Victory?
What makes this particular glass cliff so vertigo-inducing is that Ley isn’t just any political appointee. With two decades of navigating the halls of Parliament House under her belt, she would have to understand exactly what game is being played. The coming months will reveal whether she can defy the glass cliff statistics and transform her position into a platform for genuine change.
Either way, it’s already welcoming to hear a female leader of the conservative party and the broader Coalition, talking about women and women’s lives.
“I want to say right here and now we need more women in our party,” Ms. Ley said to gathered reporters in Canberra. She also took time to mention the fact her mother is receiving end-of-life care, reflecting the lives of many women who are forced to balance careers with caring.
“I want to acknowledge my mum, Angela, in Albury,” Ley said. “My mum is very sick and, on Mother’s Day, before I came up here, I called in to see her and I thought that it might be the last time that I did. She is in end-of-life care and this week has been tough because I’ve kept in touch with her and her medical team and my family. I know you’ll understand that after I’ve taken all of your questions, I will be heading home to be by her side.
“My mum grew up in wartime Britain, and the values of resilience, self-reliance, and persistence that I believe I have today come from her. So, thank you, mum.”
Will Australia’s political establishment give Ley the time and support to succeed? History suggests otherwise. But we’re here for it, Sussan-with-a-double-S. Just watch your step.
