Sussan Ley has been elected as the Liberal Party's first female leader, achieving a significant milestone in the party’s 80-year history.

On Tuesday, Ley won the party room vote with 29 votes to 25, defeating Opposition Treasury spokesperson Angus Taylor.

Ley, a mother of three and a long-time member of the Australian Parliament, previously held key roles in government, including Minister for the Environment and Minister for Health, and served as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party.

Born in Nigeria, Ley spent her early years primarily in the Middle East before her family relocated to Australia when she was 13. She has described her upbringing as a 'migrant story' and emphasized her diverse background in her initial remarks following her election as leader.

Ley’s childhood experiences included trips with her father, who worked for British intelligence, which helped shape her appreciation for diversity.

Upon returning to Australia, Ley engaged with various professions, including working as an air traffic controller, shearer, cook, and public servant, while also earning her commercial pilot's license.

Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master's in tax and accounting, which she pursued as a mature-aged student.

Ley's political career began when she was elected as the member for Farrer in 2001. Throughout her more than two decades in office, she has navigated substantial controversies, including her shifting stance on same-sex marriage, which she initially opposed but later supported.

In 2011, Ley co-chaired the parliament's Friends of Palestine group and expressed support for Palestinian statehood, but has since revised her views on such issues following visits to Israel.

In 2017, she resigned from the role of health minister after facing scrutiny over the use of taxpayer-funded chartered flights to attend personal engagements.

More recently, Ley's policies as environment minister drew attention when she appealed a class action lawsuit related to climate change, asserting a limited duty of care towards children in this context.

Her remarks on Australia Day, likening the arrival of British settlers to a Mars mission, have also sparked debates about the historical significance and implications of the day, often referred to by some as Invasion Day.

As Ley steps into her leadership role, there is speculation regarding her approach.

Analysts suggest she may adopt a more moderate stance compared to her predecessor, Peter Dutton.

While Ley possesses a mix of views that align with traditional Liberal values, including reduced taxes and small government, her leadership could address the party's gender disparity.

Ley herself acknowledged the declining support from women within the party, stating that the Coalition had 'let women down' at the federal election, and emphasized a desire to reverse this trend.

Experts indicate that Ley's ability to present herself as moderate may be pivotal in regaining support from key demographics, particularly women and younger voters.

Former Labor MP John Mickel noted that Ley's appeal lies in her potential to reconnect with professional women, a segment of the electorate the party has struggled to engage in recent elections.

Ley’s leadership will therefore be closely monitored as the Liberal Party confronts internal challenges and evolving public sentiment.