The statement by the five female Liberal MPs condemned the decision for gender quotas, claiming it demeaned women's capabilities and perpetuated their minority status in politics.
The race for the Liberal leadership is becoming bitter as Angus Taylor's allies dismiss speculation he is poised to pull out and clear the path for Sussan Ley.
Since the 2022 federal election, the Liberal party has failed to reconnect with female voters, risking further alienation while elevating the hard-right faction.