Brad Battin has ousted John Pesutto as leader of the Victorian Liberal Party following a party room meeting that also marked the return of expelled MP Moira Deeming.
The meeting began on Dec. 27 morning with a vote to reinstate Deeming, who had been expelled after Pesutto led a campaign to remove her earlier in 2024.
This was followed by a spill motion against Pesutto, who opted not to contest the leadership, clearing the way for Battin to secure the role.
He was elected over Mornington MP Chris Crewther, while opposition financial spokeswoman Jess Wilson’s leadership bid was eliminated in the first round of voting.
“We now have an obligation to move forward,” Battin said after the vote.
“I’m very thankful for the support I’ve got from my colleagues in the party room today to ensure that we could come out united and get on message with the message we need to have. We know Victorians are hurting.”
Sam Groth Appointed Deputy Leader Amid Tensions
Sam Groth, a former tennis player, was elected unopposed as the deputy leader. Groth had stirred tensions earlier in December when he resigned to the backbench after Pesutto refused to step down following his defamation loss to Deeming.
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Former party leader Michael O’Brien emphasised the need for unity, stating, “Unless we can win and hold government, then we can’t enhance the freedom, prosperity and security of Victorians or Australians.
So we just need to knuckle down, get behind whatever decision is made today and win the next election for Victoria.”
Jess Wilson, after a deal to become Battin’s deputy fell through, announced her candidacy. “The best way forward to defeat Jacinta Allan and Labor was with a unified leadership ticket,” she said.
“Unfortunately, it has been made clear to me that a unity ticket is no longer on the table. Given that and after consulting my colleagues, I’ve decided to stand to offer them a choice.”
Battin, flanked by his supporters including Groth, arrived for the vote, while Wilson and Pesutto entered Parliament alone.
Pesutto’s Leadership Challenged After Court Ruling
The leadership turmoil comes amid a defamation ruling against Pesutto, with Liberal MP Bev McArthur calling for him to open up the leadership position.
“His assertion that he is the best person to lead the party can be tested, and good luck to him if he wins,” McArthur told ABC Radio Melbourne. She also called for Deeming to be allowed back into the party.
Pesutto had lost a Federal Court case in which Justice David O’Callaghan awarded $300,000 in damages to Deeming after finding Pesutto had defamed her by implying she was linked to Nazis.
Despite the ruling, Pesutto did not step down as leader but reaffirmed his commitment to the party’s future, calling the court’s decision disappointing. “I’ve always been a fighter and I’ve always been a fighter for the right reasons and for the right people—the Victorian people,” he said.
AAP has contributed to this article.
