Moderates rally around Sussan Ley as Liberal leader says she has been underestimated for much of her life

Factional powerbrokers issue statement contradicting media reports that moderates could swing behind conservative Andrew Hastie

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Senior Liberal moderates are rallying around Sussan Ley after speculation that members of the faction could withdraw support for her struggling leadership in the fallout to the decision to dump a net zero emissions target.

Factional powerbrokers Anne Ruston and Maria Kovacic issued a statement on Monday disputing reports in The Australian that moderates could swing behind the Western Australian conservative Andrew Hastie in a potential challenge against Ley.