The Liberal Party is currently in the midst of a high-stakes leadership challenge.

Today, the simmering tension within the party boiled over into a formal attempt to replace Member for Farrer Sussan Ley as leader, with the public announcement by Angus Taylor that he is formally making a bid for the Party leadership.

On Wednesday night, Angus Taylor resigned from his role as Shadow Defence Minister to launch his bid.

He was followed by a wave of resignations from other senior frontbenchers on Thursday morning, including James Paterson, Jonno Duniam, Claire Chandler, and Matt O’Sullivan.

On Thursday morning, MPs Phillip Thompson and Jess Collins hand-delivered a letter to Ley requesting a special party room meeting to consider a motion to "spill" (vacate) the leadership.

Sussan Ley has called the special party room meeting, to take place Friday morning (tomorrow, February 13) at 9am.

If a majority of the 51-member party room votes to "spill" the positions, a secret ballot will be held for the Leader and Deputy Leader.

Supporters for both Taylor and Ley claim they have the majority. With a thin margin from the last vote, the decision rests on a handful of "swing" MPs.

If Ley is defeated, Deputy Leader Ted O'Brien is also expected to be challenged. Senator Jane Hume has already emerged as a frontrunner for the Deputy role under a potential Taylor leadership.

In late January 2026, the Liberal-National Coalition split for a second time following a row over hate speech legislation (introduced after the 2025 Bondi Beach shooting).

National Party leader David Littleproud even stated at one point that he could not serve under Ley.

Although they reunited days ago, the damage to Ley's authority was seen as terminal by Angus Taylor's supporters.

BCB News will cover the part room result following Friday's meeting.