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Brad Battin Replaces John Pesutto as Victorian Liberal Leader

Brad Battin Replaces John Pesutto as Victorian Liberal Leader

Brad Battin MP Emerges as New Leader

Brad Battin MP secured the leadership of the Victorian Liberals after a heated leadership spill. The Shadow Police Minister replaced John Pesutto, whose position became untenable after mounting party tensions. The party meeting at the state parliament also saw the readmission of Moira Deeming, further fuelling leadership debates.

Brad Battin, representing Berwick in Melbourne’s outer south-east, said his leadership would bring a fresh perspective. “I’ve brought to the table experiences from outside the Victorian parliament and Victorian politics,” he said. Battin added that his background as a small business owner equipped him to address pressing economic challenges.

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Moira Deeming’s Return Sparks Leadership Spill

Moira Deeming’s legal victory against Pesutto acted as the catalyst for the leadership spill. A federal court ordered Pesutto to pay $315,000 in damages for defamation, intensifying calls for leadership change. Deeming expressed hopes of rebuilding trust within the Liberal Party Victoria after her readmission.

Earlier, MPs debated reinstating Deeming, with some expressing frustration over the timing of the meeting amid bushfires in the Grampians. Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell voiced his concerns. “My heart is in the western region of Victoria where there are fires ravaging the Grampians community,” Rowswell said.

Figure 1: Moira Deeming successfully sued Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto for defamation. (AAP: Joel Carrett)

Leadership Contest and Outcome

The leadership spill featured three contenders: Brad Battin MP, Jess Wilson, and Chris Crewther. Wilson, the Shadow Finance Minister, announced her candidacy before the meeting. Crewther entered the race hours before the vote, splitting support among MPs.

Following the vote, Crewther confirmed his runner-up position. “I came second in the first vote, and Jess came third and dropped out,” he said. Crewther pledged support for Battin while leaving the door open for future leadership ambitions.

Battin thanked outgoing leader John Pesutto for his contributions. “He’s a true believer of our values and he’s a man of his word,” Battin said. He emphasised unity and progress within the party. “We now have an obligation to move forward.”

New Leadership Team Announced

Sam Groth, a former tennis star and Nepean MP, was elected as deputy leader. Battin outlined priorities for the Victorian Liberals, including tackling the cost-of-living crisis, addressing crime, and improving infrastructure. “Our crime crisis is out of control, and we need policies that ensure people are safe,” Battin said.

He also stressed merit-based appointments for his shadow ministry. “It’ll be a team that is of merit … not a matter of who voted where,” Battin stated.

John Pesutto Responds to Leadership Change

John Pesutto pledged his support for Battin after losing the leadership. “I’ll do whatever I can to support him,” Pesutto said. He also reiterated his commitment to his Hawthorn electorate and the party.

Pesutto’s leadership faced scrutiny following his defamation case loss and his handling of Moira Deeming’s expulsion. His efforts to mend party divisions fell short, culminating in Friday’s decisive leadership vote.

Challenges Ahead for Victorian Liberals

The Victorian Liberals face significant challenges under Brad Battin MP, including rebuilding party unity and preparing for the 2026 state election. MPs like Kim Wells believe the leadership change marks a turning point. “We couldn’t continue the way we were,” Wells said.

The leadership contest underscores internal divisions within the party, with the need for clear policies and strong leadership moving forward. The upcoming election presents an opportunity for the Victorian Liberals to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with the Labor government.

Brad Battin MP expressed optimism about the party’s direction under his leadership. “We need to concentrate on things that matter to Victorians,” he said.

Focus on Policy and Unity

Battin’s leadership vision includes economic recovery, infrastructure improvement, and crime reduction. His ability to unite the Victorian Liberals will prove pivotal as the party seeks to regain voter trust.

The leadership transition marks a critical juncture for the Liberal Party Victoria. With Brad Battin MP at the helm, the party aims to address internal rifts and position itself as a viable alternative to Labor.

Conclusion

Brad Battin’s ascent to leadership signals a fresh start for the Victorian Liberals. By focusing on cost-of-living issues, crime, and infrastructure, Battin aims to restore party unity and prepare for the next election. Whether the Victorian Liberals can overcome internal divisions remains to be seen, but Battin’s leadership will undoubtedly shape their future trajectory.

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