Australian opposition leader Sussan Ley has clarified that the addition of an extra 's' to her first name was due to a 'punk phase' during her teenage years, not an interest in numerology as she had previously stated in 2015. She dismissed her earlier comment as a 'flippant remark.' Ley also acknowledged that women were 'disappointed' with the opposition's policies at the last election and promised to 'modernise' the Coalition with new ideas on housing, childcare, and aged care.
Sussan Ley says name spelling change was due to ‘punk phase’ – not numerology
Sussan LeyAustraliaAustralian politicsLiberal partyCoalitionHousing
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Australian opposition leader Sussan Ley has clarified that the addition of an extra 's' to her first name was due to a 'punk phase' during her teenage years, not an interest in numerology as she had previously stated in 2015. She dismissed her earlier comment as a 'flippant remark.' Ley also acknowledged that women were 'disappointed' with the opposition's policies at the last election and promised to 'modernise' the Coalition with new ideas on housing, childcare, and aged care.
- 1 Teenage years: Sussan Ley added an extra 's' to her name.
- 2 2015: Ley was quoted in The Australian newspaper attributing the name change to numerology.
- 3 Mid-May 2025: Ley elected Liberal leader, discussed name change on Kiis FM.
- 4 Last month (May 2025): Election where Coalition performed poorly.
- 5 Friday, June 6, 2025: Ley discussed name change and party strategy on 3AW.
- Ley's public image is clarified.
- The Liberal party is committing to a review and modernization of its policies, particularly on housing, childcare, and aged care, to appeal to a broader electorate, especially women and young people.
What: Sussan Ley clarified the reason for the spelling change of her first name and discussed the Liberal party's need to modernize and address policy shortcomings, particularly concerning women and young people.
When: Friday, June 6, 2025 (on Melbourne radio station 3AW). Original comment in 2015. Last month's election (May 2025, implied).
Where: Australia (Melbourne radio station 3AW, House of Representatives).
Why: To correct a long-standing public misconception about her name and to address the Liberal party's recent electoral performance and future strategy.
How: Ley made statements on radio and in media interviews.