Liberal Leader Sussan Ley unveils revamped frontbench team following Coalition split

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has unveiled a new-look all-Liberal shadow ministry before Parliament returns on Monday and has set a week’s deadline for the Nationals to rejoin the Coalition as she attempts to cling on to her job following the recent damaging split.

Under the revamp, Liberal frontbenchers Ted O’Brien, Michaelia Cash, Anne Ruston, Dan Tehan, James McGrath, Angus Taylor and Angie Bell all take on additional portfolio responsibilities which were previously held by National Party shadow ministers.

In a statement, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the Liberal Leadership group had met and agreed that the “finalisation of longer-term shadow ministerial arrangements is also required”.

“It is intended that these acting arrangements cease before the second February sitting week commences (Monday 9 February), when I appoint a further six parliamentarians to serve in the Shadow Cabinet and two in the outer Shadow Ministry, on an ongoing basis.”

“There is enormous talent in the parliamentary Liberal Party and my party room is more than capable of permanently fulfilling each and every one of those roles,” Ms Ley said.

Ms Ley said the Nationals’ decision to leave the Coalition last week was “both regrettable and unnecessary and that door remains open” to having the party return to its previous arrangements with the Liberals.

“The Liberal and National parties exist to serve the Australian people and the maintenance of a strong and functioning relationship between both is in the national interest — whether we are in a formal Coalition or not.”

Earlier this week Ms Ley wrote to Nationals leader David Littleproud proposing a meeting “without any preconditions and as a priority” to discuss a reforming of the Coalition ahead of Parliament’s return.

“I understand and respect his decision to await his party’s consideration of a forthcoming spill motion. Following Monday’s parliamentary meeting of The Nationals, I will attempt to meet with whoever is elected as their leader,” Ms Ley said.

The Opposition Leader has vowed her team will continue to focus on “the millions of struggling Australians who can’t afford the basics under Labor’s inflation crisis”.

“We will continue holding the Albanese Government to account as we outline, and offer, a better way forward for the Australian people,” Ms Ley declared, as she faces the possibility of a challenge to her position next week when Liberals meet in Canberra.

Under the latest frontbench changes, Liberal leadership rival and Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor also takes on Veterans’ Affairs, while Shadow Foreign Minister Michaelia Cash assumes additional responsibilities for Trade, Investment and Tourism.

On Thursday Mr Taylor and fellow leadership rival Andrew Hastie held covert talks in Melbourne which failed to reach a deal on which of the conservative MPs should challenge Ms Ley for the party’s top job.