Liberals launch high-level probe into election drubbing

The Liberals' primary vote at the federal election in May plummeted to its lowest level since the 1940s, slashing the party's representation in the 150-member House of Representatives to just 43 seats.

The review will look at reasons for the low primary vote and the performance by the Liberals among different voter groups.

It will examine the long-term challenge for the Liberals posed by independents, with key seats lost to teal candidates.

"The review will include examination of the performance of, and lessons arising for the federal secretariat, the parliamentary party, the divisions of the Liberal Party and consultants and service providers used by the party," a party statement read.

Submissions will be open until August 1.

A federal takeover of the party's embattled NSW state branch has been extended for nine months.

Former NSW premier Nick Greiner will take the reins from Victorian stalwarts Alan Stockdale and Richard Alston on the steering committee.

The move was welcomed by federal opposition leader Sussan Ley.

"Nick Greiner will chair a panel going forward that will be supported by (former state MP) Peta Seaton, who was part of the previous panel that had Alan Stockdale and Richard Alston," she said.

"I want to thank them for the work they did in getting the reforming of the rules and constitution within my home state of NSW to this point ... the good work that was done by the previous panel will be transferred."

The federal executive will stay in charge of the party until March 30.

The federal takeover of the NSW Liberals was triggered by a failure in August 2024 to nominate more than 140 candidates for statewide local government elections.

It was among a series of bungles for the party's NSW division, beset by widespread factional infighting and a sprawling executive committee which acts as a de facto board.

Former federal opposition leader Peter Dutton described Mr Alston and Mr Stockdale and a then-unknown third person as "a council of wise elders".

But Mr Stockdale hit the headlines after the party's crushing loss in the federal election when he told a gathering of female executives on June 3 Liberal women had become "so assertive" the party might need to consider support for men.

Ms Ley, the first female leader of the federal coalition, hit back at the comments.

"There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman, in fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party," she said.

"The Liberal Party must reflect, respect and represent modern Australia and that means recognising the strength, merit and leadership of the women in our ranks."

Reports on the 2022 federal and 2023 state elections identified concerns about internal party structures including the state executive, and deep frustration in its inability to make timely and necessary decisions.

NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman welcomed the appointment of the new leadership team.

"This strong and skilled committee is well placed to support my NSW parliamentary team to take the fight to (premier) Chris Minns and Labor," he said.