The Victorian Liberal leader, John Pesutto, is at the heart of rising tensions within his party as he faces a leadership spill scheduled for this Friday. This move follows heightened discontent among party members, particularly after Pesutto’s handling of the controversy surrounding rebel right-wing MP Moira Deeming.
Recent days have revealed deep divisions within the party as five opposition frontbenchers—among them police spokesman Brad Battin—signed a petition calling for a party meeting. This call stems from what some perceive as Pesutto’s missteps, including his earlier decision to exclude Deeming from the party room, which has since ignited fierce backlash among certain factions of the Liberals.
Tony Jones, commenting on the situation, questioned who may take over Pesutto's role, noting, "It will give the Libs the freshen-up they so desperately need.” His comments highlight the urgency with which some members believe change is necessary.
At the core of the discontent is Deeming's contentious membership status, which has polarized the party. She was expelled earlier this year after controversial actions led to accusations tied to her rally being gatecrashed by neo-Nazis. Tensions escalated when Pesutto, who initially used his casting vote to prevent her return, later indicated he would be open to re-evaluated Deeming’s status; this dramatic about-face has left many party members feeling duped.
Brad Battin is now the name most frequently mentioned as Pesutto’s likely replacement. With the backing of several key figures, he appears ready to challenge Pesutto’s leadership. There are suggestions from within the party ranks encouraging Battin to appoint Kew MP Jess Wilson as his deputy, which some believe could help mend the fractures within the group.
Many see Battin as the fresh face needed to steer the party away from the controversies of the past few months. One Liberal MP suggested Pesutto's concession on Deeming's readmission was "desperate stuff," viewing it as a significant miscalculation on his part. This view is echoed by another colleague, who stressed, "This has dragged on for days and will continue to," implying the party’s internal conflicts are far from resolution.
The backdrop to this leadership spill is not merely internal politics; it is also strategically timed as the party prepares for upcoming byelections in Prahran and Werribee, raising the stakes for incumbents like Pesutto.
While Pesutto intended to manage the Deeming issue carefully, his handling has only catalyzed dissent. Having described the vote which barred Deeming as concluding the matter, he later sought to revisit the conversation after realizing the majority of his colleagues desired resolution. The outcome of Friday's meeting and subsequent vote could have sweeping ramifications for Pesutto’s career as leader and the party's cohesiveness moving forward.
The internal challenge reflects broader struggles within the Victorian Liberal Party, as factions tussle for control. Critics argue the current leadership under Pesutto lacks the capacity to unite these groups, especially considering recent events where members have openly defied his decisions. If the winds of change are to sweep through the Liberal Party, it appears increasingly likely they will start at the top.
With party unity waning and public opinion trending against them, the upcoming vote will either restore confidence in Pesutto’s leadership or mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Victorian Liberals under Battin or another contender. For now, all eyes will be on the party's meeting on Friday as the question of leadership hangs palpably in the air.
