Former Queensland Premier Predicts Imminent Liberal Leadership Challenge
Campbell Newman, former premier of Queensland, warned that a leadership challenge against federal Liberal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley could happen "in a matter of weeks."
Senator Henderson's Public Criticism
Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson dealt a significant blow to Ms Ley on Friday by refusing to publicly back her leadership. She stated:
"I can't pretend things are good. We've had a dire Newspoll result, a primary vote of just 24 per cent. Things are not traveling well."
"I do have to say, really honestly, I do think Sussan is losing support, but I do believe in miracles, we can turn things around."
Reactions Within the Party
Despite Senator Henderson's criticism, many Liberal MPs expressed both public and private support for Ms Ley's leadership on the same day.
Newman's Forecast
Campbell Newman told Sky News host Steve Price that a leadership challenge was likely "sooner rather than later," possibly before Christmas:
"When people are talking like that you have got a major issue."
Ms Ley's Confidence
On Wednesday, Sussan Ley affirmed her confidence in maintaining leadership through the end of the parliamentary year.
Summary: Former Queensland premier Campbell Newman predicts a leadership challenge against Sussan Ley could unfold imminently amid growing concerns within the Liberal Party.