Coalition MP Criticizes Former Leader
Nationals MP and former deputy prime minister Michael McCormack criticized former Liberal leader John Hewson for his comments on Sussan Ley’s leadership. The dispute arose amid discussions about Ley’s future in the party.
Hewson’s Criticism of the Coalition
Dr. Hewson expressed that the Coalition had not seriously engaged with policy development while in opposition and cited Ley’s leadership as a key reason. He stated to AAP:
“She hasn’t shown any clear strategy, or any strong capacity in terms of leadership.”
He added, “You can’t just keep being negative and hoping to win on criticism, as [Tony] Abbott did.”
McCormack’s Response
Michael McCormack responded sharply to Hewson’s remarks, sarcastically branding the former leader as an “expert on everything” despite losing the 1993 election, which McCormack called the “unlosable election.”
“Seriously, John Hewson, I mean come on, there has been 16 Liberal leaders, they've all got Honourable in front of their name. There's only one who doesn't and that's John Hewson.”
“The bloke lost the 1993 election, it was an unlosable election, and he managed to lose it, then comes out - he's an expert on everything.”
Hewson left the Liberal Party in 2019 over disagreements with its climate change policies and has been a persistent critic of the Coalition on various issues including the Voice to Parliament.
Author's Summary
This exchange highlights deep divisions within the Coalition as former and current figures dispute leadership effectiveness and party direction.