Sussan Ley, the leader of the Liberal Party, is navigating a challenging political landscape following a significant election defeat. The opposition leadership is often a difficult role, especially when the party is struggling against a strong government. Ley's recent misstep during a press conference highlighted the precarious position she finds herself in.

On Friday, Ley mistakenly stated that the Coalition does not support setting climate targets, whether in opposition or government. After realizing her error, she quickly corrected herself, saying, "What I meant to say was that I don't support the targets that the government sets while we're in opposition. We do of course recognise the importance of targets in government, when we have the full information in front of us which we don't have now." Despite her clarification, the Prime Minister seized on her initial comment, calling it "extraordinary" and suggesting it indicated a desire within the Coalition to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

The fallout from Ley's comments was swift, with media outlets covering both her original remarks and the subsequent clarification. This incident reinforced a narrative that the Coalition is struggling with its climate policy, further complicating Ley's leadership.

Ley's challenges are compounded by a recent Newspoll that revealed the Coalition's primary vote has dropped to 27 percent, the lowest since polling began in 1985. This decline in support comes amid internal conflicts within the party, particularly regarding climate policy and the Coalition's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

Ley has faced criticism from within her party, with some members openly questioning her leadership. Shadow ministers have been vocal in their dissent, often making comments unrelated to their portfolios. For instance, Dan Tehan, the shadow climate spokesperson, was absent during a crucial climate policy announcement, leaving Ley and former climate spokesperson Ted O'Brien to respond to the government's new emissions reduction target.

Adding to Ley's difficulties is the impending implementation of new electoral funding laws, which will limit the ability of wealthy donors to support third-party movements. These changes, set to take effect on July 1, create a sense of urgency for Ley to secure funding for the party. The next nine months will be critical for raising money, as those who succeed will have a significant advantage in future campaigns.

Ley's leadership is under scrutiny, with some party members advocating for a more aggressive approach reminiscent of former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Meanwhile, the Labor Party is expected to benefit from its union base, while independent candidates may also gain traction due to their established supporter networks.

In response to the government's climate target announcement, Ley reached out to Coalition donors, stating, "We will oppose any attempt to legislate this target," and included a call for contributions. As Ley attempts to stabilize her leadership, she faces a challenging environment that may limit her time to regain support within the party and among voters.