In a bold and defiant response that has sent shockwaves through Australian politics, Coalition Deputy Leader Sussan Ley has fired back at her critics following the Liberal Party’s crushing defeat in the 2025 election. Ley, who has faced intense pressure from members of her own party, including harsh criticism from MPs Andrew Hastie and Katie Allen, responded with a statement that has ignited fierce debate within political circles.

After the election loss, the Coalition Party has been grappling with internal divisions, and a leadership “spill” has been speculated, with some members openly calling for changes in leadership. In a sharp rebuttal to the criticism she faced, Ley, who has served as Deputy Leader for several years, told reporters, “If you can take my job, go ahead – but I’m not sure you can.”

Her remark was seen as a bold challenge to those pushing for her ousting, and it quickly became the talk of political analysts and media outlets across Australia. Ley’s response came after intense public criticism, with MPs Andrew Hastie and Katie Allen leading the charge, accusing her of being ineffective and failing to deliver after the party’s devastating defeat. Hastie, in particular, had called Ley “a failure who can’t get anything done,” a sentiment echoed by Allen, who questioned her leadership ability in the wake of the election results.

The Deputy Leader’s blunt comment reflects her frustration with the ongoing internal power struggle within the Liberal Party and the attempts to pin the blame for the party’s poor showing on her leadership. Ley’s response has been hailed by some as a sign of strength, showing that she is not willing to step down quietly. However, others argue that her defiance could only worsen the rifts within the party, potentially leading to further instability.

Her comment also raises questions about the future of the Coalition and whether the party will be able to recover from the 2025 election loss. With leadership positions now under intense scrutiny, the next steps for Ley and the rest of the Liberal Party are uncertain.

As the party’s internal drama continues to unfold, political observers are keeping a close eye on whether Ley’s response will solidify her position or mark the beginning of the end for her leadership. For now, one thing is clear: Sussan Ley’s latest statement has not only added fuel to the fire of the Coalition’s leadership crisis but has also highlighted the deep divisions within the party.

The coming weeks will likely determine whether Ley can retain her position, or if her critics within the party will succeed in pushing her out. Either way, this exchange has highlighted the ongoing turbulence within the Liberal Party and set the stage for a fierce battle over its future direction.