Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg has revealed he will wait until 2027 before deciding whether to run for his old inner-Melbourne seat of Kooyong, a timeline that casts a shadow over Opposition Leader Angus Taylor's leadership.
Speaking to Sunrise and 7NEWS on Tuesday at the Sydney launch of his autobiography A Grateful Son, Frydenberg said the decision would come next year and would weigh personal factors, not political timing. He denied the delay was linked to next month's Victorian state election.
"The decision I take will be about weighing up a number of personal factors, we've still got young kids," Frydenberg said. "I am still living in the electorate but enjoy working in the private sector. I've got to weigh all that up at the right time next year."
Frydenberg lost Kooyong to teal independent Monique Ryan in 2022, and acknowledged winning it back would be difficult. "Plenty of that gloss has come off since they were first elected in 2022," he said.
The former treasurer launched A Grateful Son with former prime minister John Howard in front of a gathering of political and business figures. The book covers his time as treasurer during the COVID pandemic, his feelings of betrayal over revelations that Scott Morrison had secretly held multiple ministries, and a push to raise the GST to fund personal income tax cuts.
Political commentators say the launch has derailed Taylor's momentum, coming a week after the Opposition leader unveiled the Coalition's migration policy.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- Frydenberg's extended timeline keeps a leadership question hanging over Angus Taylor well into 2027.
- A Frydenberg candidacy would make Kooyong, held by teal independent Monique Ryan, a flagship battleground at the next federal election.
- His book's policy proposals, including raising the GST, ensure he remains an influential voice in Coalition debate.
Background
Frydenberg served as federal treasurer under prime minister Scott Morrison until the Coalition's defeat at the 2022 election, in which he lost Kooyong to teal independent Monique Ryan. The teal independents won a cluster of traditionally Liberal seats in that election, campaigning on climate action and political integrity. Since leaving parliament, Frydenberg has worked in the private sector while continuing to live in the electorate. He launched his autobiography with former prime minister John Howard in Sydney.
Key Perspectives
Josh Frydenberg: Frames the decision as a personal one, weighing young children, his continued presence in the electorate and his private sector work. He argues the gloss has come off the teal independents since 2022.
Angus Taylor and the Opposition: An extended period of uncertainty leaves the Liberal leadership open to speculation, and commentators say the book launch has already undercut momentum from last week's migration policy announcement.
Monique Ryan and the teals: Ryan holds the seat Frydenberg would need to win back, and reports note the task will be no walk in the park despite Frydenberg's confidence about her diminished standing.
What to Watch
- Whether Frydenberg confirms or rules out a candidacy once he makes his call in 2027.
- The result of next month's Victorian state election, which Frydenberg denies is a factor but which will shape the political climate.
- Any developments in Liberal leadership speculation in the months before Frydenberg decides.