The political future of Victoria's opposition leader, Brad Battin, hangs in the balance as a group of his own Liberal MPs have declared they no longer have confidence in his leadership, setting the stage for a potential vote to replace him as early as Tuesday morning.
A Challenge Emerges
The dramatic intervention occurred on Monday afternoon, delivered almost exactly one year before the state is due to go to the polls. This loss of confidence has paved the way for a leadership spill at the regular Tuesday meeting of the Liberal party room.
Several party sources from across different factions have confirmed that shadow treasurer Jess Wilson has secured enough support to mount a serious challenge for the party's leadership. Wilson was contacted for comment regarding the impending contest.
Internal Strife and Recent Turmoil
Battin's leadership has been undermined by a series of internal party disputes in recent months. A particularly bitter divide opened up over a loan intended to help former party leader John Pesutto avoid bankruptcy and cover the legal costs for Moira Deeming following a defamation trial.
The party's internal stability was further shaken in September when the director of the Victorian Liberals, Stuart Smith, resigned. His departure came after leaked messages were published in which he was heard ridiculing the party's women's council and upper house MP Bev McArthur.
More recently, in October, the Victorian Liberal party’s state executive made the decision to extend pre-selections. This move was reportedly taken after the executive was underwhelmed by both the quantity and quality of candidates putting themselves forward to challenge sitting Labor MPs.
Immediate Consequences and Wider Impact
If a motion to spill the leadership positions is successful on Tuesday, it would not only threaten Brad Battin's role but also implicate the party's deputy leader, Sam Groth. Battin, who is expected to issue a statement later on Monday, was also contacted for comment as he prepares to fight for his political career.
This leadership challenge throws the Victorian Liberal Party into uncertainty at a critical juncture, with a state election looming just twelve months away.
