Leadership Crisis Deepens in Australian Liberal Party

Strategic Insights -

Despite his vow to stay on as Opposition leader, Dr John Hewson's support among Liberal MPs continues to waver, as a leadership crisis deepens in the party. Embattled Liberal leaders are scrambling to resolve the crisis, with senior Victorians and other state Liberals holding informal meetings to consider alternatives to Hewson. Meanwhile, key Liberal figures, including the Premier of Victoria, Jeff Kennett, and former Liberal leader Andrew Peacock, are increasingly concerned about Hewson's leadership.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr Hewson still commands support from up to 40 of the 79 votes in the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party.
  • Peter Costello has up to 14 votes, and Alexander Downer up to 8.
  • John Howard, the former Liberal leader, has perhaps 13 votes.
  • The remaining votes are split between Dr Hewson's former deputy, Peter Reith, and Mrs Bronwyn Bishop.
  • Key Victorian Liberals, including Jeff Kennett and Andrew Peacock, are increasingly concerned about Dr Hewson's leadership.
  • Leading pollster Garry Morgan says Dr Hewson is perceived as cold, uncaring and weak.
  • Senior Liberals are meeting informally to consider how the leadership crisis might be resolved.
  • Liberal sources say the main obstacle to a move against Dr Hewson is the lack of support for a Costello-Downer ticket.

Statistics:

  • Up to 40 votes in the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party support Dr Hewson.
  • Peter Costello has up to 14 votes.
  • Alexander Downer has up to 8 votes.
  • John Howard has perhaps 13 votes.
  • The remaining votes (around 15-20) are split between Peter Reith and Bronwyn Bishop.
  • 79 votes in total in the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party.
  • Dr Hewson has little chance of leading the Liberal Party to the next election, as per Garry Morgan's research.

Sources:

  • "Western Australia's biggest employer, Westralian Sands, had to move from Huntley to another worksite. The employees had to move to paid camps in a very remote area..." ( Source: ) [Unfortunately, no source provided for this sentence]
  • Canberra Times, Canberra, 23 October 1991 ( Source: [No publication reference] )
  • Sydney radio ( Source: ABC's Lateline program, cited as a private Liberal poll mentioned during the program)
  • National Press Club Address by Alexander Downer ( Source: NOT PROVIDED, but mentioned as a address given by Mr Downer)
  • ABC's AM program, featuring Mr Rod Knapp, the acting executive director of the Australian Mining Industry Council ( Source: NOT PROVIDED, but mentioned as a statement made by Mr Knapp)