Tehan declares position in Liberal leadership battle

GEELONG region Liberal MP Dan Tehan has ruled himself out of the contest to decide who will lead the national party following the defeat of Peter Dutton.

Sussan Ley has declared herself a candidate and Angus Taylor is also expected to run in the vote on Tuesday, May 13.

Mr Tehan, whose seat of Wannon stretches from Anglesea to the South Australian border, was also widely touted as a third contender, but officially declared his position earlier today (Friday, May 9).

“I love the Liberal Party, and I want to help reconnect us with the Australian people, but after careful consideration and conversations with my colleagues, I have decided not to stand for a leadership position,” he said.

“I will work hard and serve in whatever capacity I am asked to rebuild our party.”

Mr Tehan holding Wannon in the face of a serious challenge from independent Alex Dyson was one of the few bright spots during Saturday’s federal election for the Liberals, who have only won about 40 seats so far compared to Labor’s 90.

Mr Tehan said the Australian people wanted a Liberal Party that spoke to their lives, their families and their hopes for the future.

“They want small businesses and farmers to thrive. We must create a political movement that can provide that vision.

“That means an honest look at the 2025 election, our history and the future. We must also look deep into the heart of the party itself.

“We must do the hard work to reconnect Liberal values and the Australian people.

“We must develop a platform that offers lower taxes and higher productivity; smaller and more efficient government where not a single taxpayer dollar is wasted; one that makes the reality of home ownership achievable to young Australians and outlines an immigration plan that serves Australia’s long-term interests.”