URGENT UPDATE: The Victorian Liberals are on the brink of a major leadership change as internal tensions mount ahead of the next state election, with a potential partyroom spill scheduled for Tuesday morning. The beleaguered party, struggling in recent polls, is facing the possibility of appointing its first female leader as Kew MP Jess Wilson prepares to challenge current leader Brad Battin.
Just less than a year after being elected as leader, Battin received a delegation of Liberal MPs who expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership. This pivotal meeting has set the stage for a dramatic showdown, with party insiders indicating that Wilson, a former staffer to ex-federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, is likely to mount a significant challenge.
In a statement to Channel Nine on Monday night, Deputy Liberal leader Sam Groth confirmed Battin “absolutely” remains the leader but cautioned that “only time will tell” about his future in the role. Groth’s own position could also be subject to a vote if the leadership is contested, adding to the uncertainty within the party.
The Victorian opposition is grappling with slipping poll numbers, even as the three-term Labor government faces mounting issues like rising crime and escalating state debt. The turmoil within the Liberals is further compounded by a defamation lawsuit from Liberal MP Moira Deeming against the party’s former leader John Pesutto, highlighting ongoing internal strife since their crushing defeat in the 2022 election.
If Battin is ousted, he would become the fifth leader of the Victorian Liberals since September 2021, underscoring the party’s instability and challenges ahead. The growing unrest mirrors similar dynamics seen in the federal party, where speculation is rife about a leadership challenge against Sussan Ley following the abandonment of the party’s net-zero emissions policy.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Tuesday’s partyroom meeting, where key figures will likely determine the future leadership of the Victorian Liberals. The outcome could significantly impact the party’s strategy and public perception leading into the next election cycle.
Stay tuned as we follow this breaking story and bring you the latest updates from the heart of Victorian politics.
