Angus Taylor, whose federal electorate of Hume includes part of the Macarthur region, has announced he is throwing his hat in the ring to become the new Liberal Party leader.
He pledged to provide leadership that “unites the party, that puts our cause above sectional interests and that reaches beyond our base and earns the trust of the voters that we’ve lost’’.
Mr Taylor, who first entered parliament in 2013, said it was not a decision he had taken lightly.
“But it is one I’ve taken with conviction following discussions with many of my colleagues this week,’’ he said.
The member for Hume acknowledged the Liberal Party is at a crossroads following its heavy defeat at Saturday’s federal election.
“We owe it to our members, our supporters, and the millions of Australians who believe in our cause to regroup, rebuild, and get back in the fight,’’ he said in the media statement announcing he would be standing for leader.
“We must unify our party, rebuild its foundations and take up the fight to Labor.
“We must restore the Party around the values that make us strong:
- sound economic management and personal responsibility;
- national security;
- aspiration and reward for effort; and
- a vibrant private sector that creates jobs and opportunity.
“These values are the bedrock of Australia’s prosperity and the Liberal Party’s success.
“But this is not just about values. It’s about delivering results and that starts with deep renewal.
“We need policies that speak to Australians across all walks of life,’’ Mr Taylor said.
“We need real ideas that match the scale of the challenges we face. From housing and energy to the cost-of-living and national defence.
“We need to show the country that we’re serious about aspiration, opportunity, and backing Australians to get ahead.’’
Mr Taylor said there was also a need to rebuild the Liberal Party.
“We must bring in new talent that reflects modern Australia – especially more women,’’ he said.
“We need to modernise our organisation from the ground up and back our volunteers and members who give so much to our cause.’’
None of this will be easy. Reform never is. But the road to government begins with doing the hard things now, not later.
