Sri Lanka, May 14 -- Australia's conservative Liberal Party has elected Sussan Ley as its leader, marking the first time a woman has held the position.

Ley, a seasoned politician and former deputy leader, succeeds Peter Dutton after the party's significant election defeat.

Ley has held the massive regional New South Wales seat of Farrer since 2001 and has served as a senior minister in a variety of portfolios, making her one of the Liberal Party's most experienced hands. She was also the party deputy under Dutton.

Ley, representing the party's moderate wing, won the leadership vote against Angus Taylor by a narrow margin.

The Liberal-National coalition suffered a historic loss in the recent election, attributed to divisive leadership ...