Moderates rally around Sussan Ley as Liberal leader says she has been underestimated for much of her life

<p>Factional powerbrokers issue statement contradicting media reports that moderates could swing behind conservative Andrew Hastie</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Senior Liberal moderates are rallying around Sussan Ley after speculation that members of the faction could withdraw support for her struggling leadership in the fallout to the decision <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/16/coalition-pitches-affordable-and-responsible-energy-plan-as-ley-flags-immigration-as-next-policy-battleground">to dump a net zero emissions target</a>.</p><p>Factional powerbrokers Anne Ruston and Maria Kovacic issued a statement on Monday disputing reports in The Australian that moderates could swing behind the West Australian conservative Andrew Hastie in a potential challenge against Ley.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/nov/17/moderates-rally-around-sussan-ley-as-liberal-leader-says-she-has-been-underestimated-for-much-of-her-life">Continue reading...</a>