Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been elected unopposed as federal president of the Liberal Party, signalling a renewed push to reshape and rebuild the organisation ahead of the next federal election.

In his address to party members, Abbott declared the Liberals were “under new management”, framing his leadership as a fresh start for a party he described as needing to regain momentum and purpose.

He called for a major expansion of membership, suggesting the party should grow from around 50,000 members to at least 250,000, and positioned the Liberals as a movement rooted in freedom, tradition and patriotism.

Abbott argued the party should become more assertive in engaging voters, describing its role as leading what he termed a “people’s revolt” against the current federal government.Former foreign minister Alexander Downer was also appointed as a vice-president and echoed the need for the party to better communicate its message.

He said the Liberals had been losing the “battle of ideas” to progressive politics and needed to become more visible and active in the media landscape to compete effectively.Downer suggested the party should be more willing to promote itself publicly in order to win influence and electoral support.

The leadership changes come as the Liberal Party faces pressure from declining support in opinion polling, with some voters shifting towards minor parties such as One Nation.

Senior figures within the party are positioning the organisation for a broader rebranding and revival effort, aiming to strengthen its appeal and reconnect with disaffected voters before the next election cycle.