Could Sussan Ley become the next opposition leader?

On the back of Peter Dutton’s loss in the seat of Dickson (QLD) the leader of the opposition will bow out of politics, leaving a leadership void to be filled.

Mr Dutton was defeated in yesterday’s election by Labor’s Ali France, becoming the first opposition leader in Australian history to lose their seat.

Major news media outlets are now speculating the Sussan Ley could be amongst those who throw their hat into the ring, should she retain her seat of Farrer.

Other names being put forward by political experts include Angus Taylor (from the NSW seat of Hume) and Dan Tehan (from the Victorian seat of Wannon).

Ms Ley is currently ahead in the vote count for the NSW seat of Farrer, holding just over 43% of the first preference count at time of publication (6pm Sunday, May 4)

She leads first-time independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe, who has gathered more than 20% of the votes.

The count will rely on preferential votes to be dispersed to finalise the election in Farrer.

Labor’s Glen Hyde received just over 15% of the votes, causing the Australian Electoral Commission to abandon is Liberal / Labor two party preference count earlier today (Sunday, May 4) when it became clear Ms Milthorpe was receiving more votes than Labor.