A cabal of male Liberals signals Ley’s reign is ending. But the day of a colleague’s memorial is obscene timing

And second, that while Ley might escape a leadership spill when federal parliament returns next week – a challenge is coming. On Monday night, Hastie wrote an Australia Day email to supporters that some viewed as the entree to a formal announcement. The talks ended without a resolution, meaning a leadership spill when parliament returns on Tuesday appears increasingly unlikely. Duniam, Paterson and Taylor don’t just sit in shadow cabinet but are members of Ley’s Liberal leadership team, a supposedly loyal circle of senior confidantes. If this unedifying political melodrama continues as it has, that resolution won’t be reached quickly.