7am Sean Kelly on the right’s identity crisis
Jan 30, 2026
Sean Kelly, political columnist and former Labor adviser, offers sharp analysis of conservative politics and party realignments. He explores the Liberal Party's internal rifts and contrasting directions. He looks at the Nationals’ identity crisis and One Nation’s rise. He also questions whether compulsory voting can mask deeper democratic stresses.
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Leadership Undermined From The Start
- Susan Lee was never given a real chance to lead the Liberal Party despite taking tough stances.
- That reinforces a broader party problem with elevating women and signals internal instability.
Two Competing Right-Wing Visions
- The Liberal Party is splitting between an older economically conservative wing and a newer socially conservative, culture-war wing.
- Angus Taylor framed the contest as a return to Howard-style economics while Andrew Hastie pushes further right on social issues.
Nationals Lose Edge Outside Coalition
- The Nationals risk losing their main advantage when they split from the Coalition: governing credibility.
- Competing with One Nation on grievance and identity lets One Nation outperform them at the ultra-conservative end.