Coalition Reforms Shadow Cabinet as Ley, Littleproud Unite After Partnership Split
The Liberal-National Coalition reunited Tuesday with a reshuffled shadow ministry that elevates new talent while sidelining several prominent conservatives, as Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and National Party chief David Littleproud moved to present a unified front after their recent partnership fracture.
Ley announced a 26-member shadow cabinet that promotes women to key portfolios while excluding former shadow treasurer Jane Hume entirely, a decision that drew immediate questions about whether leadership ballot loyalties influenced the selections.
"I've communicated with every single member of my party room about this shadow ministry," Ley told reporters at Parliament House. "Everyone has a role to play, even if they're not formally in this lineup."
The announcement caps weeks of uncertainty after the Coalition partnership temporarily dissolved following disagreements over policy direction and cabinet solidarity rules. Both leaders now face questions about their political survival amid internal party divisions.
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