First-term MP Jess Wilson has been elected as the leader of the Victorian Liberal party, becoming the first woman to hold the position. She defeated Brad Battin in a leadership challenge on Tuesday morning, after a group of senior MPs informed Battin on Monday afternoon that he had lost their support.
Wilson, 35, who serves as shadow treasurer, outlined four priorities for the party: getting the budget back on track, ending the crime crisis, improving access to healthcare, and helping Victorians own homes. She is a former adviser to federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg and has described herself as a 'small l' Liberal.
The Victorian Liberals have now had three leaders in less than a year, as they seek to unite ahead of the November 2026 state election. Wilson was elected to the affluent seat of Kew in 2022 and has ties to the Institute of Public Affairs and Liberal frontbencher James Paterson.
Battin, a former police officer, replaced John Pesutto in December but faced criticism for being a 'one-trick pony' on crime. After the vote, Battin said he was proud of his work and that the party must focus on winning the next election.
