UPDATE: The Victorian Liberals are on the brink of a leadership shake-up as internal tensions rise, with a critical partyroom spill expected as soon as Tuesday morning. Just months after Brad Battin was appointed opposition leader, Kew MP Jess Wilson is anticipated to challenge him, marking a pivotal moment for the beleaguered party ahead of the next state election.
In a dramatic turn, a delegation of Liberal MPs has reportedly informed Battin that he has lost significant partyroom support. Sam Groth, the deputy Liberal leader, stated on Channel Nine that while Battin “absolutely” remains the leader for now, “only time will tell” if he will keep his position. Groth’s own leadership could also be at risk if the spill proceeds.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by the party’s declining standing in recent polls, as the three-term Labor government grapples with soaring crime and escalating state debt. The internal strife has intensified since the crushing loss at the 2022 election, leading to public disputes, including a defamation lawsuit involving Moira Deeming against former leader John Pesutto.
If Battin is ousted, he would become the fifth leader for the Victorian Liberals since September 2021, a stark reflection of the party’s tumultuous journey in recent years. The federal Liberals’ recent abandonment of the net-zero emissions policy has further fueled speculation about leadership challenges at that level, particularly against leader Sussan Ley.
The stakes are high as the Victorian Liberals seek a fresh face to rejuvenate their image and reconnect with voters. The outcome of this leadership challenge will be crucial, not just for the party’s immediate future but also for shaping the political landscape leading up to the next election.
Stay tuned as developments unfold in this urgent political saga.
