Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott is set to become the next federal president of the Liberal Party [1].

The appointment marks a significant return to a formal leadership role for Abbott, placing him at the helm of the party's organizational wing. This move comes as the party seeks stability and a clear ideological direction.

Abbott is expected to be nominated unopposed during the Liberal Party’s federal council meeting in Melbourne, which is scheduled for the week of May 23, 2026 [1], [2]. While early reports suggested a contest between Abbott and former foreign minister Alexander Downer, the race shifted when Downer opted to run for vice-president instead [1], [2].

The transition follows a period of internal maneuvering within the party. Earlier this month, reports indicated that Downer and Abbott were squaring off for the role [3]. However, the current consensus among party sources indicates that Abbott now stands as the sole nominee [1].

The prospect of a former prime minister leading the party organization has drawn commentary from political opponents. An unnamed Labor minister said the move was like a hypothetical scenario where the Labor Party would appoint Paul Keating as its president [3].

Abbott's tenure as president will involve overseeing the party's administrative functions, and strategic planning. The federal council meeting in Melbourne will serve as the formal venue for the nomination and election process [1], [2].

“Tony Abbott is set to become the next federal president of the Liberal Party.”

The appointment of a former prime minister to the role of federal president is an unconventional move that signals a preference for high-profile, experienced leadership over a traditional organizational administrator. By securing the role unopposed, Abbott gains a platform to influence the party's strategic direction without the friction of a contested election, though the move may invite criticism from opponents who view it as a regression to previous leadership eras.