Full Story The 'civil war' brewing within the Liberal party
Oct 7, 2025
In this discussion, political insiders Tom McIlroy and Krishani Dhanji dissect rising tensions within the Liberal Party, sparked by Andrew Hastie’s resignation from the shadow cabinet. They explore the potential for a leadership spill, the pressure on Sussan Ley, and the fractures within the centre-right faction. Key issues include a shift in immigration policy, internal frustrations among MPs, and the looming climate debate. The conversation reveals a party at a crossroads, pondering its future amidst ongoing civil strife.
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Spill Not Imminent But Unpredictable
- Tom McIlroy thinks a leadership spill is not imminent but could occur after Christmas once plans form.
- He warns politics can be unpredictable and a stumble could change positions quickly.
Resignation Over 'Stay In Your Lane' Rule
- Andrew Hastie resigned because the leader's charter limited frontbenchers to their portfolio 'lane'.
- He said immigration wasn't included and left to freely speak on that issue off the front bench.
Moderates Given Migration Lead
- Paul Scarr was given the immigration brief and rejects loaded terms like 'mass migration'.
- That signals a deliberate, more moderate direction which annoyed right-aligned MPs like Hastie.