Recent rumours of a leadership spill within the Liberal National Party have been confirmed. It is understood the Leader of the Liberal National Party, Paul Myer was delivered a petition by 15MPs who called for a party meeting to determine the leadership of the party. Among those who signed, was the vocal critic of Mr Myer, Betty Cox, MP for Sunshine.
Mr Myer has formally resigned as leader of the Liberal National Party and will retire as the Member for Roselands stating "
In the past 9 years as Member for Roselands, I have represented by constituents faithfully, I am proud of putting forward the ETS bill, which looks like it will pass, which will give Hutori a real climate policy, the first in decades. I am proud of what I have achieved for this party , ushering it into a new age, away from its racist past. My time in politics however is over, family commitments have become priority, and so this ends my political career .
Upon Paul Myers resignation a party room meeting was called to determine the future leadership of the Liberal National Party. Four contenders put their name up for the leadership of the party, which are listed below:
Candidates for the Leadership of the Liberal National Party
Betty Cox (NAT)
MP for Sunshine
Trade & Industry Spokesperson (May 4437 - December 4443)
Shadow Minister for Trade & Industry (March 4438 - March 4442)
Known as a hardline conservative within the party, Mrs Cox has been the most vocal regarding her disapproval of the shift toward centre right policies within the LNP.
Faces strong support within the conservative faction, however will struggle to gain the moderate vote due to unsavoury past of supporting controversial policies regarding race.
Joshua Price (LIB)
MP for Newport (March 4434 - Present)
Defence Spokesperson (June 4437 - Present)
Shadow Minister for Defence (March 4438 - March 4442)
A moderate within the party, Joshua Price as been a strong supporter of Paul Myer throughout his leadership. However is considered relatively unknown outside of his own electorate, making him a potential liability in a national election
Julie King (LIB)
MP for Rose Bay (March 4442 - Present)
A popular newcomer within the party, Ms King is a moderate within the party who is well liked among colleagues. Known for her sharp tongue and political smarts, many have touted Ms King as a future leader of the party, the question is whether that time is now
Andrew Jones (LIB)
MP for South Roselands (March 4430 - Present)
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson (March 4437 - Present)
Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister (March 4438 - March 4442)
A strong moderate within the party, Andrew Jones has faithfully served the Liberal National Party for nearly 14 years, well liked within the electorate, many within the moderate faction consider Mr Jones the parties best candidate to go forward and continue Mr Myer's legacy.
Results of the Leadership Spill
First Round
Andrew Jones - 26 votes
Julie King - 18 votes
Joshua Price - 11 votes
Betty Cox - 9 votes
Due to no candidate having a majority, party rules dictated that Mrs Cox and Mr Price be eliminated, and a second round of voting be conducted
Second Round
Andrew Jones - 38 votes
Julie King - 26 votes
Mr Jones, has been declared the winner of the leadership spill and has been officially declared the Leader of the Liberal National Party. The spill saw a humiliating defeat for the conservative "National" faction of the party, Betty Cox failing to even reach the second round of voting, and overall polling the lowest amount of support. Many have seen this as reaffirming the shift toward centre/centre-right policies within the Liberal National Party and silencing the conservative faction for the time being. In what shocked many, a few National MP's have switched toward the Liberals faction, citing "their support for liberal policies" which has largely weakened the conservative factions power within the party. It is rumoured that Mrs Cox will not contest the next election
Mr Jones, following his successful bid for leadership, announced his new party leadership team.
Leader of the Liberal National Party & Foreign Affairs Spokesperson
Andrew Jones (LIB)
Deputy Leader of the Liberal National Party & Finance Spokesperson
Julie King (LIB)
Defence Spokesperson & Chief Party Whip
Joshua Price (LIB)
Health & Social Services Spokesperson
Terry Long (LIB)
Justice Spokesperson
Jennifer Huff (LIB)
Education & Culture Spokesperson
Ryan Jones (LIB)
Many hold high hopes for the new leader, with some predicting he could bring the party back into government, after decades of exodus.