Sussan Ley becomes first woman to lead Australia’s Liberal Party after election defeat

Online  desk:  Australia’s conservative Liberal Party has chosen Sussan Ley as its new leader, marking the first time a woman has held the position at a national level in the party’s 80-year history.

The leadership change follows a significant defeat in the May 3 national election, where the party was overtaken by the left-leaning Labor Party.

Ley, 63, replaces Peter Dutton, a former police officer whose hardline views and low popularity in urban areas—especially among women—were widely seen as key factors in the loss. Dutton had built a reputation with tough rhetoric on crime, immigration, and a pledge to cut back the public service.

Interestingly, Ley changed the spelling of her first name from “Susan” to “Sussan” in her youth based on numerology, a belief system that assigns meaning to letters and numbers.

Her appointment marks a potential shift in tone for the party as it seeks to reconnect with voters and rebuild its base.