‘Chain of love’: political leader farewells her mum

Tess Ikonomou |

Sussan Ley says her family feels a deep sense of loss after the death of her mum Angela Braybrooks.
Sussan Ley says her family feels a deep sense of loss after the death of her mum Angela Braybrooks.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has farewelled her mother in a heartfelt tribute, speaking of an “unbroken chain of strength and love”.

A funeral was held for Angela Braybrooks at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Albury on Friday morning.

Ms Ley became the first female leader of the Liberal Party just days before the death of her “inspiration”.

Inside the church, photographs and flowers were placed on the coffin of Ms Braybrooks.

Ms Ley became emotional when delivering the eulogy, saying her mother and father were together again.

“When you’ve lost both of your parents, it feels as if the roof has lifted off your world,” Ms Ley said.

“As I sat quietly last weekend, in a precious window of time, going through my mother’s papers, letters and photographs, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the things she taught me: patience, persistence and self reliance, how to lift your eyes and without fear, take on the world.”

Sussan Ley delivers the eulogy at her mother's funeral.
An emotional Sussan Ley delivered the eulogy at the funeral of her mother Angela Braybrooks. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Ms Ley reflected on her “stoic” grandmother insisting that Ms Braybrooks – her only child – leave England for a chance at a better life.

“I think of my inquisitive five-year-old granddaughter and the unbroken chain of strength and love that connects three generations of women,” she said.

Liberal senators Michaelia Cash and Anne Ruston, and National MPs Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce attended the service.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and members of her family
Sussan Ley says an “unbroken chain of love” connects women in her family. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Ms Braybrooks worked as a mental health nurse, a role “she excelled at and loved”.

Ms Ley said a former patient got in touch by email to tell her about the compassion her mother had shown.

“I shall not ever forget the love, care and wisdom she showed,” the person said.

“The support saved my life. Not only that, gave my life back to me much better than before. 

Sussan Ley and Angela Braybrooks
Sussan Ley says her mother Angela has been a constant inspiration for her throughout her life. (HANDOUT/SUPPLIED)

“Your mother was sent from up above.”

Ms Ley was negotiating with Nationals leader David Littleproud to reach a new coalition agreement after the federal election while tending to her dying mother.

The Nationals quit the coalition days after the death of Ms Braybrooks before the political parties later patched up their differences.

AAP