Sussan Ley Quits After 25 Years, Says She’ll Step Away ‘Comprehensively’

Sussan Ley has announced she will resign from politics within weeks, bringing an end to her 25-year parliamentary career just minutes after losing the Liberal leadership to Angus Taylor.

The Member for Farrer confirmed she would step away from public life after Taylor defeated her in a party room vote 34 to 17.

“I look forward to stepping away completely and comprehensively from public life,” Ley told reporters shortly after the ballot on Feb. 13.

She said she would spend the coming weeks thanking constituents in the vast regional New South Wales (NSW) electorate she has represented since 2001, before formally resigning from parliament—triggering a by-election in the safe Liberal-National Coalition seat.

‘Don’t Dwell on Disappointment’

In an emotional farewell, Ley opened by quoting her mother, who died within days of Ley becoming the first woman to lead the Liberal Party.

“When I came to the leadership of the Liberal Party nine months ago, my mother had just died, one of the things she said was, when something ends in sadness, don’t dwell on the disappointment, be grateful that you had it at all,” Ley said.

Ley thanked the party she “belonged to and loved for more than half of my adult life,” and described parliament as “the most extraordinary workplace for 25 years.”

She said she was looking forward to spending time with her family and returning to aviation—an interest that shaped her life long before politics.

“My enduring passion aviation, which taught me, if I had an ego, I’d be dead. It’s been quite useful in politics.”

Ley also spoke about raising her children while building her political career.

“When I came here in 2001 my children were 8, 10, and 12. They are now in their 30s with children of their own. They are my greatest gift. And the six little Australians my grandchildren remind me that everything we do in this place should always be about the next generation.”

Ley reflected on her first run for parliament, saying she never expected to win when she was approached in 2001.

“When a farmer from Rand in New South Wales, Angus McNeil, first approached me to be the candidate for Farah in 2001 and said he thought I had what it takes. I never expected to be successful. I won the seat by 206 votes, and I have been re-elected nine times.”

No Hard Feelings for Taylor

Ley said she accepted the party room’s decision and wished Taylor well.

“The leadership of Liberal Party is a gift of the party room. And I respect the decision that they have made for those who supported me today. I thank you. I thank you. Your loyalty, your unflinching loyalty.”

She said she had no bitterness toward her colleagues.

“I know he [Taylor] has experience, energy and drive. I know the whole team will have what it takes to fight this awful Labor government. I will be cheering them on.”

Ley also thanked her deputy, Ted O’Brien, who lost his position in the leadership contest to Jane Hume.

Others Can Assess My Leadership

She said she would leave others to assess her short period as leader.

“I leave it for others to judge this period of my leadership, now and with the passing of time, while I am sure plenty of people will have plenty to say, I have never sought to influence what other people think of me.”

Ley listed achievements she would be proud of, including her role in pushing for a Royal Commission on anti-Semitism after the Bondi terror attack, an energy policy, and holding the Coalition during its most turbulent period.

Ley acknowledged the personal toll of leadership.

“It has been tough, at times, very tough, but every sleepless night, every intractable problem, indeed, every personal challenge has always been put in perspective by my understanding of the burdens that so many ordinary Australians face quietly and without fuss every day.”

Reactions Begin to Flow

Reaction to Ley’s resignation came quickly, including from political rivals.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson praised Ley’s longevity in parliament and wished her well.

“I want to wish Sussan Ley all the best in her future outside of politics. Nine wins and 25 years in politics is a sign of her resilience in this tough environment,” Hanson said on X.

Hanson also said One Nation would contest the by-election in Farrer, promising a strong candidate from regional NSW.

Ley’s deputy, Ted O’Brien, said he was saddened by her departure and praised the way she handled the leadership loss.

“I think what we saw from Susan there is her greatest qualities. This has been a very tumultuous time for the Liberal Party, and she has displayed absolute dignity,” he said.

“He added that despite all odds Ley was upbeat and positive.”