Tim Wilson Emerges in Liberal Leadership Race After Peter Dutton Defeat as Albanese Reshuffles Cabinet and Plans Pope Visit

The Australian Liberal Party is undergoing a leadership contest following its worst election defeat under former leader Peter Dutton. Tim Wilson has emerged as a surprise contender for the party leadership amid a competitive race that also involves a deputy leadership vote. This leadership battle coincides with a contentious Nationals party vote, which is seen as a proxy on Australia's climate policy and could impact the Coalition agreement between the Liberals and Nationals. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new federal cabinet for his second term after Labor's landslide victory, making several key portfolio changes.

Notable cabinet shifts include Michelle Rowland becoming attorney-general, Tanya Plibersek moving from environment minister to social services minister—a move described as a demotion—and Murray Watt taking over as environment minister. Albanese, who is Catholic, is scheduled to attend the inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV in Rome on May 18. The Liberal Party's leadership vote was swift, concluding in less than 15 minutes, but the deputy leadership contest remains unresolved.