Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s senior conservative rivals have played down the prospect of a coup, giving Ley at least until next year to prove herself after an escalation of backbench criticism before a climax over energy policy next week.

Frustrated backbencher Sarah Henderson ratcheted up the heat on Ley on Friday morning by saying that Ley was “losing support” amid low poll results and disagreements on climate. Henderson added the fractures were “the worst I’ve ever seen in our party”.

Liberal senator Sarah Henderson speaks to the media on Monday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Her comments were not authorised by Right faction powerbrokers as part of any co-ordinated move to undermine Ley.

Henderson faces the prospect of a preselection challenge ahead of the 2028 election, and three

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