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2024 Victorian Liberal Party leadership spill

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2024 Victorian Liberal Party
leadership spill
← 2022 27 December 2024
 
Candidate John Pesutto Brad Battin
Seat Hawthorn Berwick
Faction Moderate Conservative
Leader before election

John Pesutto

 Elected Leader

TBC

A leadership spill is expected to take place on 27 December 2024 to elect the leader of the Victorian Liberal Party and, ex officio, Leader of the Opposition.[1][2]

Incumbent leader John Pesutto, a moderate, will be challenged by Berwick MP Brad Battin, a conservative.[1] The spill will occur two weeks after the Federal Court ruled Pesutto had defamed Independent Liberal MP Moira Deeming, who was expelled from the Liberal party room in 2023 after attending an anti-trans rally that had also been attended by a neo-Nazi group.[3][4]

The positions of deputy leader, leader in the Legislative Council and deputy leader in the Legislative Council are also expected to be spilled.[2]

Background

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2022 leadership election

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Main article: 2022 Victorian Liberal Party leadership election

Following the Liberal−National Coalition's defeat at the 2022 Victorian state election, Matthew Guy announced he would resign as Liberal leader.[5] At a leadership election on 8 December 2022, John Pesutto − who had been elected as the member for Hawthorn at the state election − defeated Brad Battin, the member for Berwick, by 17 votes to 16.[6][7]

Defamation verdict and Deeming readmission vote

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On 12 December 2024, the Federal Court ruled that Pesutto had defamed Deeming, and he was ordered to pay her $300,000.[8] Pesutto said he was "very disappointed" by the verdict, but would not step down as leader.[9][10] One day later, Nepean MP Sam Groth resigned from the shadow ministry, saying that "in good conscience, [he could] no longer continue to serve" in his roles as Shadow Minister for Youth and Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events.[11][12]

A vote was held on 20 December 2024 on a motion to readmit Deeming to the Liberal party room.[13] The vote was tied at 14−14 (with two MPs absent) and Pesutto used his casting vote to break the tie, although he said it was technically not needed because the motion required an "absolute majority" of 16 out of 30 MPs to pass.[14][15]

Spill announced

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On 22 December 2024, Pesutto called a second meeting to discuss readmitting Deeming, which would be held on 15 January 2025.[16] He said that since the meeting on 20 December, "it has become clear that there is now a definite absolute majority of my colleagues who want this issue resolved".[16] Pesutto apologised to Deeming in his statement, and stated that there was a need for the Liberals to concentrate on the upcoming by-elections in Prahran and Werribee.[16][17]

Several hours later, The Age reported that Pesutto was going to face a leadership challenge from Brad Battin on 27 December 2024.[1] A letter calling for a special meeting was signed by Battin, Groth, James Newbury, Bridget Vallence and Richard Riordan.[18] The meeting will bring forward the discussion on Deeming's readmission – instead of it happening in January 2025 – and is also expected to result in a spill occurring.[18][19]

Candidates

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Leader

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Expected to contest

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Candidate Electorate Faction Announced Portfolio(s)
  John Pesutto Hawthorn Moderate[20][21] Incumbent
  Brad Battin Berwick Conservative[20][21] Expected to contest
  • Shadow Minister for Police (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Corrections (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Criminal Justice Reform (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Youth Justice (2023–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention and Victim Support (2023–present)

Speculated

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Candidate Electorate Faction Portfolio(s)
  Chris Crewther[22][23] Mornington Conservative[24]
  Sam Groth[17][25] Nepean
  • Shadow Minister for Youth (2022–2024)
  • Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events (2022–2024)
 
2015 Matthew Guy MLA b.jpg
 Matthew Guy[26][27][28] Bulleen
  James Newbury[26][27][28] Brighton Moderate[29]
  • Shadow Minister for Environment and Climate Change (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Equality (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Planning (2023–present)
  Michael O'Brien[26][27][28] Malvern Moderate[30]
  Brad Rowswell[26][27][28] Sandringham Moderate[20]
  • Shadow Treasurer (2022–present)
  Kim Wells[31][32] Rowville Conservative
  Jess Wilson[17] Kew Moderate[2][33]
  • Shadow Minister for Youth (2022–2024)
  • Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events (2022–2024)

Deputy leader

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Expected to contest

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Candidate Electorate Faction Announced Portfolio(s)
 
Southwick2024.jpg
 David Southwick Caulfield Moderate[20] Incumbent
  • Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Major Projects (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Cost of Living (2023–present)

Speculated

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Candidate Electorate Faction Portfolio(s)
  Sam Groth[2] Nepean
  • Shadow Minister for Youth (2022–2024)
  • Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events (2022–2024)
  Jess Wilson[2] Kew Moderate[2][33]
  • Shadow Minister for Youth (2022–2024)
  • Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events (2022–2024)

Leader in Legislative Council

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Expected to contest

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Candidate Electorate Faction Announced Portfolio(s)
  Georgie Crozier[2] Southern Metropolitan Moderate[20] Incumbent

Speculated

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Candidate Electorate Faction Portfolio(s)
  David Davis[2] Southern Metropolitan Moderate[34][35]
  • Shadow Minister for Arts and Creative Industries (2022–present)
  • Shadow Minister for Energy, Affordability and Security (2023–present)
  • Shadow Minister for the SEC (2023–present)
  • Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council (2008–2010; 2018–2022)

Deputy Leader in Legislative Council

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Expected to contest

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Candidate Electorate Faction Announced Portfolio(s)
 
Evan Mulholland February 2024 (cropped).jpg
 Evan Mulholland[2] Northern Metropolitan Incumbent

Speculated

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Candidate Electorate Faction Portfolio(s)
  Joe McCracken[2] Western Victoria Conservative[24][36]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Rooney, Kieran; Eddie, Rachel (22 December 2024). "John Pesutto to face leadership spill on Friday". The Age. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kolovos, Benita (22 December 2024). "John Pesutto facing Friday leadership spill as Victorian Liberals pull forward party room meeting". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  3. ^ Kolovos, Benita (12 May 2023). "Moira Deeming expelled from Victorian Liberal party room after threat to sue leader John Pesutto". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  4. ^ Asher, Nicole; Willingham, Richard; Wong, Leanne (12 December 2024). "Moira Deeming wins defamation case against John Pesutto, judge orders $300k in damages". ABC News. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  5. ^ "Matthew Guy to resign as Liberal leader after second Victorian election defeat". ABC News. 27 November 2022. Archived from the original on 28 November 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  6. ^ Sakkal, Paul (8 December 2022). "John Pesutto new Liberal leader after party's 'embarrassing' defeat". The Age. Archived from the original on 26 September 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  7. ^ McCubbing, Gus (8 December 2022). "John Pesutto wins Liberal leadership in Victoria by one vote". Australian Financial Review. Archived from the original on 8 October 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  8. ^ Sarre, Rick; Livings, Ben (12 December 2024). "Moira Deeming's defamation win shows nobody can play fast and loose with language – not even politicians". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  9. ^ Cosoleto, Tara Cosoleto; Ton, William (12 December 2024). "Liberal leader to 'keep fighting' after defamation loss". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  10. ^ Kolovos, Benita (12 December 2024). "John Pesutto defies calls to resign after being ordered to pay $300,000 for defaming Moira Deeming". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  11. ^ Willingham, Richard (13 December 2024). "Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth resigns from opposition frontbench, casting shadow on John Pesutto's leadership". ABC News. Archived from the original on 15 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  12. ^ Bennett, Emily (13 December 2024). "Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth announces resignation from frontbench after leader's defamation loss". 9News. Archived from the original on 15 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  13. ^ Kohn, Peter (20 December 2024). "Push to reinstate Deeming fails". Australian Jewish News. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  14. ^ "Victorian Liberal MPs vote to keep Moira Deeming out of parliamentary party in split-decision vote". ABC News. 20 December 2024. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  15. ^ "Moira Deeming's bid to return to Victorian Liberals blocked by party leader John Pesutto". SBS News. 20 December 2024. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  16. ^ a b c "Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto apologises to Moira Deeming, calls new vote". ABC News. 22 December 2024. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  17. ^ a b c "Pesutto backflips on Deeming – calls for new vote". OUTinPerth. 22 December 2024. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  18. ^ a b MacFarlane, Natasha (22 December 2024). "Victorian opposition to vote on John Pesutto's future as leader after four MPs seek special meeting". ABC News. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  19. ^ "Is John Pesutto facing a leadership spill? The drama within the Victorian Liberals". SBS News. 22 December 2024. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  20. ^ a b c d e Ilanbey, Sumeyya; Smethurst, Annika; Eddie, Rachel (6 December 2022). "Victorian Liberal leadership contest hangs in the balance". The Age. Archived from the original on 7 January 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  21. ^ a b Kolovos, Benita (8 December 2022). "Moderate John Pesutto elected leader of the Victorian Liberal party, defeating Brad Battin in ballot". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  22. ^ Melzer, Max (9 October 2024). "Former Victorian MP Tim Smith claims Sam Groth, Brad Battin and Chris Crewther in three man race for state Liberal leadership if John Pesutto spill motion succeeds". Sky News Australia. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  23. ^ Kolovos, Benita (12 October 2024). "Victorian Liberals had been bracing for a leadership spill. Now voters have thrown John Pesutto a lifeline". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  24. ^ a b Smethurst, Annika; Rooney, Kieran (1 September 2023). "Infighting among Victorian Liberals deepens as conservatives threaten revenge". The Age. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  25. ^ Le Grand, Chip (14 December 2024). "No bigger play behind Groth's massive serve". Brisbane Times. Archived from the original on 21 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  26. ^ a b c d Smethurst, Annika (6 October 2024). "Pesutto could face leadership challenge as early as next week, Liberals say". The Age. Archived from the original on 23 November 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  27. ^ a b c d Kolovos, Benita (8 October 2024). "The Victorian Liberal party's dirty laundry has been aired in public. Can John Pesutto survive a leadership spill?". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 17 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  28. ^ a b c d Clarke, Mitch; Douglas, Carly; Cavanagh, Rebekah; Campbell, James (12 December 2024). "Most likely challengers to John Pesutto's Liberal leadership". Herald Sun. Archived from the original on 12 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  29. ^ Kolovos, Benita (28 May 2022). "Lost in suburbia: Victorian Liberals search for a base". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  30. ^ Patrick, Aaron (6 September 2021). "Victorian Liberal leader O'Brien digs in against challenge". Australian Financial Review. Archived from the original on 21 October 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  31. ^ Smethurst, Annika (11 October 2024). "Pesutto's would-be dethroners appear to have outwitted themselves". Brisbane Times. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  32. ^ Godde, Callum (15 October 2024). "'Hare-brained' Liberal leadership spill move fizzles". Australian Associated Press. Archived from the original on 22 December 2024. Retrieved 22 December 2024.
  33. ^ a b Kolovos, Benita (23 December 2024). "With John Pesutto's days as Victorian Liberal leader likely numbered, will it be third time lucky for Brad Battin?". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 December 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  34. ^ Tomazin, Farrah (5 June 2011). "Baillieu: the discriminating progressive". Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  35. ^ Le Grand, Chip; Sakkal, Paul (11 November 2021). "David Davis encouraged to run for Tim Smith's seat of Kew, O'Brien set to be challenged". The Age. Archived from the original on 13 July 2024. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
  36. ^ Thomas, Shibu (9 June 2023). "Trans Councillor Claims Moira Deeming Is Not Transphobic". Star Observer. Archived from the original on 12 June 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
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