Australia politics live: Sussan Ley announces she is quitting parliament with ‘clear air’ dig at Liberal colleagues after loss to Angus Taylor

From 19m ago 23.50 GMT Ley says politics been 'tough, at times’ but she will go forward with ‘punk’ spirit Sussan Ley doesn’t take any questions from the media, after just announcing that she will leave politics for good. She says she will spend a few weeks in her electorate before she hands in her resignation to the Speaker, which will trigger a byelection. She says she’s proud the party landed its energy policy, the pressure she put on the government to announce a royal commission into the Bondi tragedy. There is no doubt that it has been a challenging time to leave the party after we suffered the worst defeat in 81 years. 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. She also takes a bit of a stab at her colleagues: It is important that the new leader gets clear air, something that is not always afforded to leaders, but which in the present moment is more important than ever. But Ley ends on a more upbeat note: I was part of the early punk rock movement in Canberra, I will continue to find wisdom in one of punks defining themes, a fearless and honest belief in yourself. Sussan Ley says it is important that the new Liberal leader gets ‘clear air’. Photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images Share Updated at 00.03 GMT

5m ago 00.03 GMT Taylor takes to social media, says ‘immense honour’ to be elected Angus Taylor has released his first social media post as leader, posting a photo with the new deputy, Jane Hume. We’re still waiting for Taylor to address the media this morning. He writes, “it’s an immense honour to be elected leader of the Liberal party”. It’s an immense honour to be elected as leader of the Liberal Party.

I am looking forward to working with my deputy, Jane Hume to serve the Australian people.#auspol pic.twitter.com/nV0cF33coc — Angus Taylor MP (@AngusTaylorMP) February 13, 2026 Share

11m ago 23.58 GMT ‘I’m not planning on going anywhere mate’: O’Brien Ted O’Brien says he has no pl