Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien elected deputy leader of federal Liberal Party

Fairfax MP & deputy leader of the opposition Ted O’Brien.

Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien has been elected deputy leader of the Liberal Party, following a party room vote in Canberra yesterday that also saw New South Wales MP Sussan Ley elected as the party’s new leader.

Mr O’Brien, who has held the seat of Fairfax since 2016, defeated fellow Queenslander Phil Thompson 38 votes to 16 in the deputy leadership contest. The result cements his growing influence within the federal party room and elevates him to one of the most senior positions in the federal Opposition.

The leadership change follows the Coalition’s significant defeat at the May 3 federal election. Ms Ley replaces Peter Dutton, while Mr O’Brien steps into the deputy role amid calls for party renewal and broader appeal.

Ms Ley acknowledged both she and Mr O’Brien represent regional electorates and said the new leadership team would work to understand why the party suffered losses in key urban and suburban seats.

Mr O’Brien, previously the shadow minister for energy and climate, was a key figure behind the Coalition’s nuclear energy policy and is viewed as a moderate voice with strong policy credentials.

The elevation of a Sunshine Coast MP to the deputy leadership is a notable moment for the region, placing a local voice at the heart of the Liberal Party’s efforts to rebuild.

The leadership team has pledged to listen to voters, engage more women, and develop a clearer policy agenda ahead of the next election in 2028.

Ms Ley said she would draw on the talents of the full party room and deliver a “serious engagement with a new leadership team and a new agenda”.

Mr O’Brien said he had yet to have discussions with Ms Ley about his shadow portfolio but was expected to take a leading role in shaping the party’s economic and energy policies.