First-term MP Jess Wilson has become the first woman to lead the Victorian Liberal party after defeating Brad Battin in a leadership challenge on Tuesday morning. The 35-year-old shadow treasurer secured the support of the majority of the party room, following a group of senior MPs informing Battin on Monday afternoon that he had lost their backing.
The Victorian Liberals have now had three leaders in less than a year as they seek to overcome internal divisions ahead of the November 2026 state election. Wilson, a former adviser to ex-federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, outlined four priorities: getting the budget back on track, ending the crime crisis, improving healthcare access, and boosting home ownership opportunities.
Wilson, who describes herself as a 'small l' Liberal, is a former president of the Victorian Young Liberals and the daughter of former Liberal MP Ron Wilson. She has also worked as a policy adviser at the Business Council of Australia. Supporters see her as capable of discussing economic issues and uniting the party.
Some Liberals who backed the change felt Battin had become a 'one-trick pony' on crime, especially after Premier Jacinta Allan allowed 14-year-olds to serve adult jail sentences. Wilson unsuccessfully challenged Battin in December, but her supporters briefed media that she was encouraged to run this time rather than plotting a challenge.
Outside the party room, Wilson said voters face a choice between a 'tired out-of-touch Labor government' and a 'new generation' of Liberals. Senior Liberals highlighted her economic experience and gender, noting she presents 'a very different and compelling face' for the party. Wilson was elected in 2022 for the affluent seat of Kew and has ties to the Institute of Public Affairs and Liberal frontbencher James Paterson.
Battin, a former police officer, replaced John Pesutto in December after Pesutto lost a defamation case against Moira Deeming. Battin's support for a loan to help Pesutto avoid bankruptcy angered some party members. Speaking after the vote, Battin said he was proud of his role and emphasised the party must focus on winning the next election.
