Two weeks after losing the Liberal leadership, former federal MP Sussan Ley has formally resigned, setting the stage for a highly contested by-election in the regional NSW seat of Farrer.
The poll, expected before June, will see residents in Griffith, Albury and surrounding towns choose Ley’s successor.
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson described the pre-selection contest as “tremendous,” praising the final three candidates as “dedicated locals who understand what makes Farrer tick.”
“There’s been a tremendous effort by our party reviewing more than 80 applications in such a short time, and the contest has now come down to a final three.”
Ley, who had represented Farrer since 2001, stepped down on Friday (27 February), noting that the electorate “has always been bigger than any one individual” and emphasising the importance of the Liberal Party retaining the seat. Her resignation came after being deposed by Angus Taylor as Liberal leader earlier this month.
In a post on X, Ley reflected on her time in public service, saying, “I am confident that my efforts and achievements over 25 years will speak for themselves; as a local member, Minister in four Coalition governments and Leader of the Liberal Party, as well as in the minds of the many people whose lives touched mine along the way.”
Ley expressed her deep connection to the region, describing the communities along the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and the cities of Albury and Griffith as places she “always came home to at the end of every long road.” She acknowledged the challenges faced by local farmers, small business owners, volunteers, and particularly the women of western NSW:
“I want to acknowledge their strength, their courage, and their sheer, bloody mindedness when fighting for the people they love and the future they deserve.”
Reflecting on her leadership of the Liberal Party, Ley highlighted her milestone as the first woman to lead a federal opposition:
“I hope I have paved the way for the next woman to be elected to, and succeed in, both these roles.”
She also stressed the importance of maintaining Liberal representation in Farrer, noting:
“The electorate has always been bigger than any one individual and has always been well-served by the Liberal Party. The election of a Liberal Member in the Farrer by-election is vital for the betterment and ongoing strength of our region.”
Ley concluded by expressing gratitude to her constituents and reflecting on her migration journey:
“I thank the people of Farrer for the honour of representing them for the last 25 years.”
Already, bookmakers are treating an independent as the firm favourite, though the identity remains unspecified. Michelle Milthorpe, a teacher from Jindera, has confirmed her independent candidacy, while Rebecca Scriven will contest for the Family First Party.
The Nationals, Liberals and One Nation are also seeking candidates. One Nation will choose between three local contenders—Narrandera businessman David Farley, Albury small business owner Leigh Wolki, and Boeill Creek farmer Guy Cooper—with pre-selection set for 7 March.
Other potential candidates include independent MP Helen Dalton, who may resign her NSW state seat to contest federally. Albury state MP Justin Clancy and winery owner Darren De Bortoli have declined to run.
The Greens and the Gerard Rennick People First party will also contest the seat, while Labor has yet to decide. Sportsbet odds have shifted dramatically since Ley first announced her intention to resign, with independents now at $1.91, Nationals at $3.40, One Nation at $4.33 and Liberals at $7.
At the 2025 federal election, Ley won Farrer with 43 per cent of the primary vote, narrowly ahead of Milthorpe on 20 per cent. With Ley stepping aside, the Nationals are now free to challenge for the seat they last held under former leader Tim Fischer, who retired in 2001.
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