Wannon MP Dan Tehan makes call on Liberal leadership

Wannon MP, Dan Tehan, who fought off a strong campaign from Independent Alex Dyson to hold the seat on Saturday, will not contest for the Liberal Party leadership.

Tehan had been mentioned, along with Sussan Ley, Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, as possible replacements for Peter Dutton, who lost his suburban Brisbane seat of Dickson.

“I love the Liberal Party, and I want to help reconnect us with the Australian people, but after careful consideration and conversations with my colleagues, I have decided not to stand for a leadership position,” Tehan said in a statement issued on Friday morning.

“When we respect the rights and freedoms of all people; don’t burden them with crippling taxation or regulation and give them hope that each generation will live a better life, we are building a nation that prospers.

“When we understand that unrestrained debt is intergenerational theft; and that reward for effort, volunteering and aspiration are the keys to cohesive communities, we are building a nation that prospers.”

Tehan said Liberal politicians must “look deep into the heart of the party itself”.

“We must develop a platform that offers lower taxes and higher productivity; smaller and more efficient government where not a single taxpayer dollar is wasted; one that makes the reality of home ownership achievable to young Australians and outlines an immigration plan that serves Australia’s long-term interests.”