Council
14 May, 2025
Tehan withdraws from leadership consideration
MEMBER for Wannon Dan Tehan announced he was withdrawing his name from contention for Liberal Party leadership last Friday morning.
Mr Tehan had been among a handful of senior party members speculated to be in the running for party leadership following a disastrous election which saw the Coalition fall to a historic defeat.
The Anthony Albanese-led Australian Labor Party claimed at least 93 seats, among which was the seat of Dickson – held by the now former Coalition leader Peter Dutton.
Mr Tehan had been a popular name behind a leadership vision which would see the Liberal Party return to more moderate roots, as the party’s heavy conservative shift has been cited as a catalyst for two consecutive federal election defeats and jarring state election losses including Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales.
But the writing was on the wall for a Tehan-led Coalition after conservative senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price announced her defection from the Nationals to the Liberal party last Thursday, in what drew widespread belief to be a shrewd move to boost leadership frontrunner Angus Taylor.
In a statement announcing he would not contest party leadership, Mr Tehan said his commitment to delivering a Liberal vision which would resonate with voters remained unwavering.
“I believe the values of the Australian Liberal Party are the values that make our great country prosper,” he said.
“When we respect the rights and freedoms of all people; don’t burden them with crippling taxation or regulation and give them hope that each generation will live a better life, we are building a nation that prospers.
“When we understand that unrestrained debt is intergenerational theft; and that reward for effort, volunteering and aspiration are the keys to cohesive communities, we are building a nation that prospers.”
Mr Tehan said the landslide election defeat would require introspection from the Liberal Party to examine its approach and better connect with the Australian people.
“The Australian people want a Liberal Party that speaks to their lives, their families and their hopes for the future,” he said.
“They want small businesses and farmers to thrive.
“We must create a political movement that can provide that vision.
“That means an honest look at the 2025 election, our history and the future. We must also look deep into the heart of the party itself.
“We must do the hard work to reconnect Liberal values and the Australian people.”
Mr Tehan said he was optimistic the Liberal Party could earn its way back in to the hearts of voters, and vowed to serve his party however he was needed.
“We must develop a platform that offers lower taxes and higher productivity; a smaller and more efficient government where not a single taxpayer dollar is wasted – one that makes the reality of home ownership achievable to young Australians and outlines an immigration plan that serves Australia’s long-term interests,” he said.
“I love the Liberal Party, and I want to help reconnect us with the Australian people, but after careful consideration and conversations with my colleagues, I have decided not to stand for a leadership position.
“I will work hard and serve in whatever capacity I am asked to rebuild our party.”
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