A Liberal senator has expressed doubts about Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's ability to maintain support within the coalition, amid ongoing party struggles over net-zero emissions targets.
Former frontbencher Sarah Henderson stated she could no longer support the current direction of the party ahead of an important partyroom meeting.
"I do have to say really honestly, I do think Sussan is losing support," Senator Henderson told Sky News on Friday. "But I do believe in miracles."
When asked if the party could recover under Ley's leadership, Henderson paused before emphasizing her dissatisfaction with the present state.
"I'm not in the business of throwing anyone under the bus, I'm stating the bleeding obvious, we are in a dire situation," she said. "The infighting has been terrible and I'm terribly sorry about what's been going on in the Liberal Party."
Henderson, who lost her shadow cabinet position after Ley assumed leadership, praised Ley for initiating meetings to establish a clearer policy stance on energy and climate issues.
"I vehemently oppose net zero in all of its guises, it's sending our country backwards," the conservative senator declared.
This opposition highlights the ongoing divisions within the Liberal Party as it grapples with its climate and energy policies.
Author's summary: A Liberal senator voices serious concerns about Sussan Ley's leadership amid party turmoil and policy debates, signaling deep divisions over the net-zero emissions target.