A “frustrating” three-way stalemate has emerged for the Liberal leadership after Sussan Ley’s two conservative rivals held secret talks in Melbourne that failed to produce a sole candidate to challenge for her job at next week’s party room meeting. Deputy Liberal leader Ted O’Brien, who has publicly backed Ms Ley’s leadership despite record-low poll numbers and the two Coalition splits, said it was “frustrating” that the matter was being discussed. Further talks over the Liberal leadership standoff are expected over the weekend, before politicians return to Canberra for the formal start to the Parliamentary year, which includes a traditional church service. “Dave will have the overwhelming support of the room, and I don’t think it will be a close vote at all. Liberal Leader Sussan Ley arrives at the memorial for Dr Katrina Allen in Melbourne.