Angus Taylor launches scathing attack on Labor and says embattled Liberal party has 'lost their way' as Sussan Ley puts on a brave face

A number of frontbenchers have quit the Liberal shadow cabinet after Angus Taylor's resignation on Wednesday night, signalling a looming leadership spill against embattled leader Sussan Ley. 

Taylor released a promotional video outlining why he is running to lead the Liberal Party, presenting his pitch as a response to a 'critical moment' for Australia.

'Our country is in trouble,' the former shadow Minister for Defence said in the video, which appears to have been filmed in a paddock. 

'I'm running to be the leader of the Liberal Party because I believe that Australia is worth fighting for.'

On Thursday, a spate of frontbenchers announced they would resign, with Liberal Party Whip Aaron Violi confirming he had received a party room meeting request. 

So far this morning, Matt O'Sullivan, Philip Thompson, Shadow Cybersecurity and Science Minister Clare Chandler, and Senate Deputy Whip Jess Collins have resigned from the shadow ministry. 

Among the chaos around her leadership, Sussan Ley is maintaining a business‑as‑usual approach on social media, posting a smiling photo accompanied by the slogan 'A Better Future.'

In the caption, she wrote: 'We will take the pressure off families, fix the budget and keep Australia safe'. 

Daily Mail Australia political editor Peter van Onselen said it was difficult to see Ley surviving the leadership challenge.

'Chandler's resignation is all about building momentum for Angus Taylor's challenge. It's actually the same playbook Tony Abbott used to blast out Malcolm Turnbull as opposition leader back in 2009,' he said. 

'But this time the added tactic is getting women MPs and senators to lead the charge, in a bid to overcome the perception that the boys' club is rolling the first female leader of the party.

'It's the same reason Sarah Henderson and Jane Hume led the charge this week calling for change.

'It's also why Zoe McKenzie is emerging as the likely running mate for deputy. Whether it works or not is another matter.

'Either way it's very hard to see Sussan Ley surviving this looming challenge, even though Taylor asks as many questions as he answers.'

'Our country is in trouble': Taylor in promo videoJacinta Nampijinpa Price backs Taylor Taylor ally flies back to Canberra as WA Senator calls for Ley to be axedVictorian Opposition Leader says Federal Liberals need to 'get on with it'Labor prepares to grill Angus Taylor during Question Time Sussan Ley all smiles on social media Sussan Ley ally says she 'has the numbers' Jonno Dunniam and James Paterson resignWATCH: Angus Taylor launches scathing attack on Labor as he makes his pitch for the top jobFury amongst Ley supportersPVO: 'Difficult to see Ley surviving'Spill motion against Sussan Ley received Share or comment on this article: Angus Taylor launches scathing attack on Labor and says embattled Liberal party has 'lost their way' as Sussan Ley puts on a brave face

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