Ley to lead the Liberals

She is the first female leader of the federal Liberals after being picked to lead the opposition following the Coalition's resounding election defeat.

The former Liberal deputy defeated ex-shadow treasurer Angus Taylor 29 votes to 25 in a party room ballot of 54 members on Tuesday, May 13, in Canberra.

The Coalition holds 42 of 150 lower house seats, less than half of Labor's 93.

Of three seats yet to be called, the Liberals are ahead in two and Labor one, meaning there's a chance of a slight improvement in the tally, but the Coalition faces a Herculean task to win government in three years regardless.

Ted O'Brien was elected deputy leader.

The Nationals re-elected David Littleproud as their leader on Monday, May 12, following a challenge from conservative senator Matt Canavan.