Angus Taylor launches scathing attack on Labor and says embattled Liberal party has ‘lost their way’ as he makes his pitch to lead: ‘Our country is in trouble’

Angus Taylor has released a new video outlining why he is running to lead the Liberal Party, presenting his pitch as a response to a ‘critical moment’ for Australia.

In the video, Taylor opens by saying, ‘Our country is in trouble.’

He argues that the Labor government has failed and that the Liberal Party ‘has lost its way.’

‘I’m running to be the leader of the Liberal Party because I believe that Australia is worth fighting for,’ he said.

He adds that the country needs ‘strong and decisive leadership’ that provides Australians with ‘clarity, courage and confidence’ about the future.

Taylor also pledged to lead a stronger Opposition.

‘We must start by holding this failing Labor government to account for their total mismanagement of our country and advocate for solutions to the problems that Australians are facing,’ he said.

‘We’re running out of time, and Australia is worth fighting for.’

Supporters of Sussan Ley have directed their frustration at Angus Taylor, warning colleagues replacing her will not solve the party’s ongoing problems.

One MP told Daily Mail that removing Ley now would be ‘catastrophic’ for the Liberals’ already shaky relationship with female voters, saying women were drifting ‘in all directions’ to the Teals and even to Pauline Hanson, and a leadership scalp would only worsen the situation.

Another MP was scathing about Taylor.

‘He doesn’t like to take risks. He’s used to things being handed to him on a silver platter,’ they told Daily Mail.

Liberal frontbencher and moderate Andrew Bragg described any leadership challenge as ‘premature’.

Speaking on Sky News, the NSW senator urged the Liberals to put aside ‘individual or sectional interests’.

‘Sussan has policies which are ready to go, housing stuff, immigration stuff, and I think she ought to be given an opportunity to do that work,’ Bragg said.

He argued Ley had inherited a ‘pretty difficult hand’ and should be given more time in the role.

‘Twelve months in the job is at least a reasonable attempt,’ he said.

Shadow Minister for Housing Andrew Bragg is pictured.

Daily Mail Australia political editor Peter van Onselen said it was difficult to see Ley surviving the leadership challenge.

‘Chandler’s resignation is all about building momentum for Angus Taylor’s challenge,’ he said.

‘It’s actually the same playbook Tony Abbott used to blast out Malcolm Turnbull as opposition leader back in 2009.

‘But this time the added tactic is getting women MPs and Senators to lead the charge, in a bid to overcome the perception that the boys’ club is rolling the first female leader of the party.

‘It’s the same reason Sarah Henderson and Jane Hume led the charge this week calling for change.

‘It’s also why Zoe McKenzie is emerging as the likely running mate for deputy. Whether it works or not is another matter.

‘Either way it’s very hard to see Sussan Ley surviving this looming challenge, even though Taylor asks as many questions as he answers.’

A spill motion was formally delivered to Opposition Leader Sussan Ley earlier this morning, with Angus Taylor preparing to challenge her for the top job.

The motion is set to be moved by NSW Senator Jess Collins, one of Taylor’s key allies.

Ley’s supporters are pushing for the party room meeting to be held on Thursday, arguing that an expedited timetable could strengthen their position.

Taylor’s backers, however, maintain that a Thursday meeting is unworkable, noting that several Liberal senators are tied up with Senate estimates hearings that are expected to run until 10pm on Thursday.

Taylor’s camp is instead advocating for a Friday meeting.

NSW Senator Jess Collins is pictured.