After the Fall: Can the Liberals Rebuild From the Ashes?

The Liberal Party is reeling from its worst defeat ever. Divided on climate, culture and identity—can it find a path back to relevance?

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Sussan Ley (right) listens to newly elected Leader of the Liberal Party Peter Dutton speak to the media after a party room meeting at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on May 30, 2022. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Less than a month after recording its worst federal election result in history, the Liberal Party finds itself fractured and faced with the challenge of rebuilding trust and direction.

From alienating key demographics to factional infighting, the Liberals—once Australia’s natural party of government—are reckoning with a defeat many say was years in the making.