Liberal figure Charlotte Mortlock quits party amid feared backlash over dumping of first female leader

The Guardian World

by Krishani Dhanji

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Prominent Australian Liberal figure Charlotte Mortlock has quit her party following Sussan Ley’s leadership ousting, sparking fears of a voter backlash and reinforcing concerns about female representation within the party. The decision came just days after Ley lost her leadership bid, with Mortlock leaving both the Liberal Party and Hilma’s Network—a grassroots group she founded to unite Liberal-minded women. Her departure highlights growing worries among female members about the direction of the party and its treatment of women in leadership roles. The ousting of Ley, the first female leader of the Liberal Party, has left many women within the party feeling disillusioned. Mortlock’s decision to leave is seen as a direct response to the broader sentiment that the party’s leadership is slipping back into male-dominated control. Some members have expressed concerns about the potential long-term consequences for female involvement in Australian politics, with one member stating, “The boys are back in charge.” This sentiment reflects a deeper fear that the removal of Ley could deter other women from pursuing leadership roles within the party. Mortlock’s exit underscores the broader challenges faced by women in conservative political parties. Her departure adds to the growing narrative that female voices and perspectives are being marginalized. Hilma’s Network, which she founded to promote Liberal-minded women, was intended as a platform for fostering inclusivity and representation. However, its dissolution alongside Mortlock’s exit further amplifies concerns about the future of women in the party. The situation also raises important questions about the broader implications for Australian politics. If female

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/15/2026