The Briefing It’s on – Can Angus Taylor save the Liberals? + Closing the Gap report falls short
Feb 12, 2026
Katina Curtis, Canberra-based political reporter and bureau chief, breaks down the sudden Angus Taylor leadership challenge and what it means for a struggling Liberal Party. She explains timing, tight vote maths and the messy deputy contest. Discussion covers Taylor’s record, whether he was pushed into running and the risk of alienating women voters.
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Party Room Numbers Are Nail‑Thin
- The Liberal leadership vote is extremely tight with only a few votes likely to decide the result.
- Katina Curtis says Angus Taylor's camp believes they are four or five votes ahead but the margin remains narrow.
Deputy Slot Is A Free‑For‑All
- The deputy leadership contest is wide open and potentially more unpredictable than the leader vote.
- Multiple candidates from the House and Senate are considering runs, making that race volatile.
Leadership Swap Needs Policies Not Rhetoric
- A leader change without clear policy risks being seen as mere infighting rather than renewal.
- Katina Curtis warns Angus Taylor offered rhetoric about leadership but no concrete policy proposals in his press conference.