News

Sussan Ley elected deputy leader

By Adrienne Hartnett

May 31, 2022

Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has been elected as deputy leader of the Liberal Party alongside Peter Dutton who was elected leader at a party room meeting on Monday.

Member for Farrer and former environment minister Sussan Ley has been elected unopposed as deputy leader of the Liberal Party at a party room meeting on Monday.

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Ms Ley joins Peter Dutton who was elected unopposed as leader of the Liberal Party replacing Scott Morrison who resigned from the position after the Coalition's election defeat.

Ms Ley thanked her colleagues for electing her to the leadership role in a media conference following the announcement on Monday.

“Can I thank my electorate of Farrer for returning me to eight times to this Federal Parliament. The wonderful people from western NSW, along the Murray and the Murrumbidgee Rivers. I draw strength from you every day.

Ms Ley also thanked Mr Dutton who she has worked closely with for over 20 years.

“You are absolutely the best person for this job. I want to commend all of the work you have done,” she said.

Ms Ley said she would continue to be a voice for rural and regional Australia.

“The Liberal Party brand inspires me and is equally effective and belongs everywhere across our great country whether it be in our cities or the bush,” she said.

“I will continue to be a strong voice for women. We know we didn’t receive the support of all women at the last election. My message to the women of Australia is we hear you, we heard you, we’re listening, we’re talking and we are determined to earn back your trust and your faith.”

Ms Ley’s new position is the highest Federal Parliament appointment of a local member since Tim Fischer AC.

By Adrienne Hartnett