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Challenger in hot seat as leadership showdown looms

A leadership ballot is scheduled during a special partyroom meeting on Friday morning, with Angus Taylor challenging Opposition Leader Sussan Ley.
After Mr Taylor quit the front bench on Wednesday night, nine supporters followed him in abandoning the shadow ministry on Thursday, with senior Liberals including Michaelia Cash, James Paterson and Jonno Duniam resigning amid support for Sussan Ley falling to historic lows.
Dan Tehan resigned and will seek the deputy leadership as supporters canvassed votes Thursday and Taylor sat two rows back during question time, mostly looking at his phone.
Warning voices in the party argued the move risks electoral collapse, with Scarr warning overturning the first female leader less than 12 months into her tenure would be costly, and Paterson warning 'if it goes on, there will be nothing left of the Liberal Party at the next election.'
At question time, government ministers and Labor MPs mocked disunity, with Education Minister Jason Clare quoting `Julius Caesar had more support from his senators than what we've seen going on today`.

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