Sussan Ley, the newly appointed leader of the Liberal Party, mourns the passing of her mother. Angela Braybrooks transitioned in the early morning hours of Saturday. Ley has only recently made history herself, becoming Australia’s first female Leader of the Opposition. Any celebration of this victory is bittersweet, because it comes just days before an even larger loss. Angela Braybrooks was a long-time parishioner at St. Matthews Anglican Church in Albury. She was known for her intellectual rigor and booming presence.
Angela Braybrooks’s death leavens Ley’s recent victory with testament to the tragic toll of brutality and neglect. This follows an apparently very tight and very contentious partyroom ballot on Tuesday. Ley, who won her position with 29 votes, defeating her more conservative rival Angus Taylor with 25 votes. After her victory, Ley flew straight back to Albury. She wished to be at her mother’s bedside, showing the bond they had.
In the most extraordinary tribute, her friend and colleague, Sussan Ley, praised the ‘extraordinary’ time she had with her mother. She shared how deeply Angela had shaped her newfound success in the boy’s club that is the Liberal Party.
“Growing up in wartime Britain, Angela could never have dreamed that her daughter would become Australia’s first female Leader of the Opposition, but because of her, that happened this week,” – Sussan Ley.
A Lasting Impact
Angela Braybrooks had been more than a caring mom, she’d produced the look underpinnings all mothers have Angela Braybrooks, and musically she had thought several big ideas. Father Peter Macleod-Miller, the rector of St Matthews Anglican Church, admired her “commanding presence and eloquence.”
“She had a commanding and clear mastery of the English language, so for Bible reading, you could hear her from Wodonga,” – Father Macleod-Miller.
Sussan Ley recalled the cherished moments they shared, especially on Mother’s Day, which they celebrated just before Angela’s passing. Ley called it a “gift of fate” that they got to share that important day together.
In an emotional retelling, Ley described how Angela stayed lucid and active up until the last days of her life.
“Whilst mum was no longer verbal, she watched every moment of my press conference,” – Sussan Ley.
Community Support
Should this pass, the local community has joined Sussan Ley in mourning during this tragic period, sending support and condolences. She shared how grateful she is for their love and compassion while she processes this deep loss.
Together with my family, I know we will miss this incredible light, my mother, the light of my life and career, she would add.
Ley recounted a poignant scene from the day before last Monday. Their parish priest helped arrange a FaceTime call so Angela could be there to see Ley walk across the stage.
“On Monday night in Canberra, our parish priest organised a FaceTime call, telling Angela she had to ‘hang on’ to see one more special moment in her daughter’s life,” – Sussan Ley.
Cherished Memories
As Sussan Ley remembers her mother’s legacy, she focuses on the hope Angela gave her throughout her life.
“I have taken inspiration from her every single day of my life and I always will,” – Sussan Ley.
Ley described a moment when she returned to her mother’s room after her press conference, noting how Angela’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“As I walked back into her room that afternoon, her eyes lit up with excitement. It was a moment I will treasure, forever,” – Sussan Ley.
