Sussan Ley will leave federal politics after losing the Liberal Party leadership to Angus Taylor in a party room vote in Canberra.
Her short time leading the opposition has ended, Taylor won the ballot 34 votes to 17.
Ley said she would resign from parliament within weeks, that will trigger a by election in her southern NSW seat of Farrer, which she has held since 2001.
Speaking after the meeting, Ley signalled she was stepping away entirely from public life. She said she did not want her departure to distract the new leader.
In a brief address to reporters, Ley also paid tribute to her mother, who died soon after she became leader.
She said she had tried to keep perspective during a tough period in opposition.
Sussan Ley MP for Farrer, said, “One of the things she said was when something ends in sadness, don’t dwell on the disappointments, be grateful that you had it at all.”
Taylor, a former energy minister and senior figure on the Coalition frontbench, said the Liberals would refocus on household pressures and national identity as they try to win back support.
Angus Taylor, Liberal leader, said, “restore our standard of living and protect our way of life”.
The party also elected Jane Hume as deputy leader, replacing Ted O’Brien. The ABC reported she is the first senator to hold the deputy role since 1990.
Also Read: Independent probe to examine how the NACC chief handled links to Defence
Ley became the first woman to lead the federal Liberal Party last year, her leadership lasted nine months.
It was marked by internal tensions and falling polling that put pressure on her position.
