Angus Taylor's leadership is set to be tested in the Farrer by-election as an independent candidate vows to 'finish what we started' and oust the Liberals. The by-election, triggered by Sussan Ley's retirement, will be a significant challenge for Taylor, who has been pitching the Liberal Party further to the right on anti-immigration policies. This move has been endorsed by One Nation, with Pauline Hanson confirming her party's involvement in the Farrer electorate. The independent candidate, Michelle Milthorpe, who finished second in the last election, is determined to make a difference. She believes the electorate, which includes Albury, Deniliquin, and Griffith, deserves better than being a secondary concern in party politics. Milthorpe's campaign focuses on local issues, including the Albury-Wodonga hospital redevelopment, and she has received substantial financial support, including $283,000 during the last election. She has also pledged to continue accepting donations from those supporting climate action. The Farrer by-election, the fifth in three years, is expected to be a messy contest, with the Nationals and Labor potentially competing against the Liberal candidate. The electorate's reaction to the Coalition's internal disputes and the Liberal leadership rumors could be pivotal, similar to the Aston by-election in 2023. This election will be a crucial test of Taylor's leadership and the Liberal Party's ability to retain their seat.
