Angus Taylor has confirmed he will challenge Sussan Ley for leadership of the Liberal Party.
Taylor resigned from the frontbench on Wednesday night, which allowed him to launch a leadership run.
The ABC reports Senator Jane Hume will challenge Deputy Leader Ted O’Brien.
Here’s what you need to know.
Spill
A spill is the nickname for a vote on the leadership of a parliamentary party.
Spills generally happen when there is discontent around the current leadership.
The spill may involve the leader of the party, or the leader and their deputy leader.
Both the Coalition and Labor have seen multiple leadership spills over the years, in government and in opposition (Gillard v Rudd, Turnbull v Abbott, Morrison v Turnbull, Albanese v Shorten).
When it becomes clear there is a challenge for the party leadership, the leader calls for a meeting with all members of the party.
This meeting is held in the party room, a physical space at Parliament where parties meet to discuss issues without the media present.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
The leadership positions are declared vacant, and nominations for the roles are called.
Whoever receives 50% of votes plus one becomes the leader.
Challenge
Taylor resigned from the frontbench on Wednesday, freeing him to launch a challenge.
On Thursday morning, multiple media outlets reported the resignations of Liberals Matt O’Sullivan, Phillip Thompson, Jonno Duniam, James Paterson, and Claire Chandler from the frontbench (not from the party).
Shortly afterwards, Thompson delivered a spill motion request to Ley, telling media the party is in a “death spiral” and “Angus Taylor has the ability to get the party out of it.”
Taylor then posted a video to social media with the caption: “Why I am running for Leader of the Liberal Party.”
“The Liberal Party has lost its way,” he began.
Taylor said he believes “we need a strong and decisive leadership”.
“I’m committing myself to the cause of restoring our party so that it can be the party that Australians respect and deserve,” he finished.
Ley is yet to publicly respond, but is expected to hold a party room meeting on Thursday or Friday.
