Angus Taylor resigns from the Liberal frontbench triggering management problem to Sussan Ley

Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor has resigned from the Coalition frontbench, sending shockwaves through Canberra and setting the stage for a direct leadership showdown with deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley.

Taylor’s departure marks the most dramatic escalation yet in the party’s ongoing internal strife, with questions over Ley’s leadership simmering for months.

His resignation is expected to trigger a spill motion against Ley as early as Thursday.

Daily Mail understands the ballot for Liberal leader is likely to be tight, with just four or five undecided MPs expected to decide the final outcome.

Prime Minister Albanese and his ministers seized on the Opposition’s turmoil during Question Time on Wednesday, accusing the Coalition of ‘tearing down their own house.’

Minister for Women Catherine King pointedly criticised Taylor in response to a question from a Labor backbencher about women’s health funding.

‘It is what happens when you support women and you support women to be in the room making decisions in a majority female government with a majority female cabinet,’ she said.

‘Instead of undercutting women who are brave enough to put their hands up to lead,’ she said.

Angus Taylor (pictured) resigned from the Opposition Shadow front bench on Wednesday

The resignation opens the path for a challenge against Liberal leader Sussan Ley (pictured)

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke accused Liberal frontbencher Dan Tehan of ‘auditioning’ for a spot in a possible Taylor shadow cabinet, while Albanese referred to the front bench as a ‘deputies parade’.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers criticised Taylor by reading out negative quotes from new articles, reportedly made by fellow Liberal MPs.

‘He was an absolute disaster in that role,’ Chalmers said, quoting a Liberal MP on Angus Taylor’s tenure as Shadow Treasurer.

‘Everything he touches turns to custard,’ Chalmers continued.

Ley’s key ally, Alex Hawke, Opposition Whip, did not intervene as Chalmers used what some considered possibly unparliamentary language.

Ley was seen smirking as Chalmers spoke.