In a statement, Ms Ley said she had written to the Speaker of the House of Representatives to advise of her immediate resignation on Friday, February 27.
Ms Ley said she had witnessed widespread change throughout her electorate over the nearly 25 years as its member.
“At one stage, the western edge of Farrer was the entire NSW-South Australian border, touching Queensland at Camerons Corner,” she said.
“I certainly appreciated being able to fly myself in a light plane, often into remote airstrips.”
Working in shearing sheds along the Murray River, Ms Ley said she came to know the area while towing the caravan she lived in as a candidate.
She became attached to the landscapes and lifestyles, and said she was never prouder than when representing the electorate’s many communities in parliament.
“The people and their stories will always be with me,” Ms Ley said.
A special mention was given to the “wonderful women” in western NSW, who Ms Ley said often put themselves last while remaining resilient.
“I want to acknowledge their strength, their courage, and their sheer, bloody-mindedness when fighting for the people they love and the future they deserve,” she said.
Ms Ley thanked her colleagues for the opportunity to serve as the federal Liberal Party’s first female leader following its worst defeat in 81 years.
Stepping into the top position was an achievement she remained proud of, and a milestone she hoped other women could appreciate as well.
Many of the policies and directions she set as leader have been re-adopted by the party’s new ministry, led by Angus Taylor, which she welcomed.
Given the electorate’s history of Liberal leadership, Ms Ley said she hoped to see the party’s 60 years of representation continued.
“The election of a Liberal member in the Farrer by-election is vital for the betterment and ongoing strength of our region,” she said.
“I know that Angus Taylor can and will ensure the party continues to enjoy the support, trust and confidence of the people of Farrer.”
As a grandmother of six, Ms Ley said she was acutely aware that not every child shared the same blessings her grandchildren enjoyed.
“In this luckiest country, that is unfinished business for all of us,” she said.
She will remain with “her people” in the region, which she considers the best part of Australia, now that her time in office is over.
Attention now turns to the by-election, as parties and independents move quickly to contest the seat of Farrer.
As of Thursday, March 12, five candidates had announced they would run in the by-election scheduled for Saturday, May 9.
For the first time since 2001, the National Party of Australia will contest the seat after it was vacated by a sitting Coalition MP.
The party has preselected Albury-based Australian Army veteran and former military commander Brad Roberts as its candidate.
Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson's One Nation has endorsed former Australian Agricultural Company chief executive and irrigation specialist David Farley.
Independent Michelle Milthorpe, who ran in the 2025 federal election and significantly reduced Ms Ley’s margin, has also nominated for the by-election.
Albury mental health worker Richard Hendrie will again run for the Australian Greens, while independent Catholic school teacher Rebecca Scriven will contest the seat for the Family First Party.
With the close of nominations set for Monday, April 13, more candidates are expected to enter the race in the coming weeks.
Enrolling and voting in a federal by-election is compulsory.
Residents of Farrer must enrol to vote by 8pm on Wednesday, April 8.
Polling will be held on Saturday, May 9.
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