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Former PM Tony Abbott elected Liberal Party president, declares party facing existential crisis and under new management
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been elected president of the Liberal Party. Abbott told delegates the party faces an existential crisis and promised it is now under new management, vowing to lead a people's revolt against what he called the worst government in living memory.
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has been elected president of the Liberal Party in a dramatic return to the political spotlight. Abbott told delegates the party is facing an existential crisis and declared it is now under new management, signalling a significant shift in direction for the opposition.
In a fiery address to party delegates, Abbott vowed to lead what he called a people's revolt against the current government. He described the Albanese administration as the worst government in living memory and said it was his duty to serve the party and the country at this critical juncture.
Abbott served as Prime Minister from 2013 to 2015 before being ousted by Malcolm Turnbull in a leadership spill. He subsequently lost his seat of Warringah at the 2019 federal election. His return to the party's organisational leadership represents a remarkable political comeback.
Former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer was also named one of the party's vice presidents as part of the leadership reshuffle. The appointments signal that the Liberal Party is drawing on its most experienced figures as it seeks to rebuild ahead of the next federal election.
Abbott's election as party president comes at a turbulent time for Australian politics, with the government navigating trade tensions with the United States and ongoing economic pressures. His promise of hunger to win for the country's sake sets the stage for an increasingly combative political landscape, ABC News Australia reported.