Sussan Ley has formally resigned from parliament following her ousting as Liberal leader earlier this month.

Resignation Statement

In a statement, Ms. Ley confirmed she will not return for a valedictory speech. She expressed confidence that her efforts and achievements over 25 years speak for themselves.

“Naturally, I am sad to no longer represent my electorate of Farrer,” Ms. Ley stated. “I love the wide western plains of New South Wales, the country towns along the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers, and the thriving cities of Albury and Griffith—communities that it has been my enormous privilege to serve for almost 25 years.”

Ms. Ley thanked her Liberal colleagues for the opportunity to serve as leader. “I believe my election as the first woman to ever lead not just the Federal Liberal Party, but any Federal Opposition, is a milestone for all women to be proud of,” she said. “I hope I have paved the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed in, both these roles.”

Political Background

As the longstanding MP for Farrer, Ms. Ley held the seat for the Liberals for more than two decades. Leaders rolled her in February, and she announced her resignation from politics after Angus Taylor replaced her as Opposition Leader.

By-Election Implications

Her departure triggers a by-election in Farrer, setting up a competitive four-way contest among the Nationals, Liberals, One Nation, and a Climate-200 backed independent for the lower house seat.