Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has announced she will step away from Politics

In Short

• The Departure: Sussan Ley has announced her total resignation from politics following the Liberal Party leadership transition to Angus Taylor.
• Local Legacy: Representing Farrer since 2001, Ley departs after 25 years and nine re-elections, citing a desire to return to her roots in aviation and spend time with her grandchildren.
• Key Achievements: Ley highlighted her pride in establishing the Royal Commission into Anti-Semitism and the Coalition's November energy policy as core pillars of her legacy.

Following today's leadership defeat at the hands of new Liberal Party leader Angus Taylor, Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has announced her resignation from politics.

"I look forward to stepping away, completely and comprehensively, from public life," Ms Ley said, when addressing the media on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.

"To spend time with my family, to reconnect with my enduring passion, aviation, which taught me, if I had an ego, I'd be dead. It's been quite useful in politics."

Ms Ley alluded to spending more time with those closest to her.

"When I came here in 2001, my children were eight, 10, and 12. They are now in their 30s, with children of their own. They are my greatest gift. And the six little Australians, my grandchildren, remind me that everything we do in this place should always be about the next generation."

Ms Ley was gracious in her address, thanking her electorate.

"I love the Western Plains of New South Wales. The Murray and Murumbidgee Rivers, and the rural communities, that it has been my enormous privilege to represent."

"I will be spending the next couple of weeks thanking the amazing people of Farrer, and expressing my gratitude to them, for the honour of representing them for 25 years. Shortly thereafter, I will be tendering my resignation to the speaker."

She also reflected on her 25 years as a member of parliament.

"When a farmer from Rand, in NSW, Angus McNeil first approached me to be the candidate for Farrah in 2001. and said he thought I had what it takes. I never expected to be successful. I won the seat by 206 votes, and I have been re-elected nine times.

" I leave it for others to judge this period of my leadership. Now, and with the passing of time. While I am sure, plenty of people will have plenty to say. I have never sought to influence what other people think of me."

"I am proud of the role I played in establishing a royal commission into anti Semitism," Ms Ley said.

"I am proud that we landed an energy policy in November last year, and I'm also proud that after a difficult period, the coalition reformed stronger than before. There is no doubt that it has been a challenging time. to lead the party after we suffered the worst defeat. in 81 years."

"It has been tough. At times, very tough. But every sleepless night, every intractable problem, indeed, every personal challenge has always been put in perspective by my understanding of the burdens that so many ordinary Australians face, quietly and without fuss, every day."

"Those Australians remain my inspiration.

In a speech that commentators described as dignified, Ms Ley chose to congratulate Angus Taylor.

"It is important that the new leader gets clear air. Something that is not always afforded to leaders. But which, in the present moment, is more important than ever."

"I respect the decision that has been made. I genuinely have no hard feelings."