Coalition Crisis Deepens as Littleproud Maintains Blame on Ley
Nationals leader David Littleproud has intensified his criticism of opposition leader Sussan Ley, holding her responsible for the dramatic fracture within the Coalition while claiming he attempted to prevent the rupture. The political standoff has plunged Australian politics into fresh turmoil, with Ley simultaneously expressing confidence in her survival as Liberal leader despite growing internal dissent.
Ley's Defiant Stance Amid Leadership Speculation
Speaking to Channel Seven on Friday, Sussan Ley projected unwavering confidence when questioned about her political future. "Yes, I will," she declared when asked if she would survive as opposition leader. Ley emphasized that her focus remains on holding the government accountable rather than internal party politics, specifically mentioning expenses scandals and the Bondi terror attack response.
The embattled Liberal leader revealed she maintains an open door policy regarding reconciliation with the Nationals, stating: "The door is not closed, but my eye is not on the door. My eye is on the work that my team has already done." This conciliatory tone contrasts sharply with the reality of the Coalition's second major split in just eight months.
Littleproud's Unyielding Position
David Littleproud remained steadfast in his position on Friday, directly attributing the Coalition breakdown to Ley's actions. The Nationals leader claimed he had made efforts to "avert it" before the relationship collapsed. Littleproud specifically cited Ley's acceptance of resignations from three Nationals senators - Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cadell - as the breaking point, arguing there was "an avenue not to" accept their departures.
Despite his previous declaration that the Nationals could not serve under Ley's leadership, Littleproud attempted to distance himself from determining Liberal leadership matters. "It's not up to me to determine who the Liberal leader is," he stated, while simultaneously maintaining that his party's door remains "open" for future collaboration under different circumstances.
Internal Liberal Tensions Surface
Within Liberal ranks, support for Ley appears increasingly fragile. Her deputy, shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien, publicly backed her continuation as leader during an ABC radio interview, stating: "I know there's a lot of commentary on this... yes, she will." However, O'Brien emphasized that any Coalition reconciliation would require "rock solid commitment" from both parties to work as a unified team.
Speculation about potential leadership challengers continues to circulate, with conservatives Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie frequently mentioned as possible contenders. When questioned about this threat, Ley described both as "strong, committed members of my team," though senior Liberal sources reportedly consider her leadership all but over following the latest Coalition rupture.
Conservative Criticism and Future Challenges
Firebrand conservative senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who defected from the Nationals to the Liberals after the election, delivered scathing criticism of Ley's leadership. "I made it very clear that obviously the leader had lost trust in me, lost faith in me, and I suppose I felt the same at the time," she told Sky News, adding that she doesn't believe "things have improved" since her departure from the Nationals party room.
The immediate trigger for the Coalition split emerged when Nationals senators crossed the floor to vote on Tuesday, breaking with the Coalition's established position regarding hate speech laws drafted in response to the Bondi terror attack. This parliamentary rebellion created irreparable fractures between the coalition partners.
Liberal insiders suggest a leadership challenge may materialize when parliamentarians return to Canberra in early February. Party rules permit a special meeting to consider a leadership spill if just two MPs petition the party whip for a vote, creating a potentially volatile situation when parliamentary sittings resume.
