Sussan Ley refuses to be drawn after backbencher lashed her leadership
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The news: Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has refused to weigh in on backbencher Sarah Henderson, who warned she was losing support in the Liberal party room.
The context: Ley is struggling to contain a revolt from her backbench, and will bring a decision on net zero to a head next week, when MPs return to Canberra to settle on a position.
Speaking to reporters in Canberra on Friday, Ley said a working group set up six months ago was “ready to present” to the party.
But Ley’s press conference immediately pivoted to Henderson, who warned Sky News on Friday that Ley was losing support in the party.
“I do believe in miracles. We can turn things around, but things are not good,” Henderson said.
“I don’t support things the way they are.”
Repeatedly asked about the comments, Ley said she would not “comment on commentary” telling reporters they should “probably ask her” about her views.
Not referring to Henderson by name, Ley insisted she “values every single member of my team, including the good senator that you've just mentioned”.
Ley's press team quickly wrapped up the press conference.
Henderson, who Ley demoted to the backbench in May, backed Angus Taylor in the Liberal leadership ballot the same month. She is one of a number of MPs who have — privately and publicly — criticised Ley’s leadership in recent days.
What they said: “I’m not going to comment on commentary,” Ley said.
“I'm not focused on comments that other people relay to me, or that might be made in a variety of contexts.”
