The Victorian Liberal Party is teetering on the edge of an existential crisis, with its president issuing a dire warning to warring factions: unite or face political oblivion.
In a dramatic intervention, party president Philip Arrowsmith has declared the organisation is "not viable" in its current state, revealing he has been actively mediating between bitterly divided moderate and conservative camps to prevent total collapse.
Moderates Consolidate Power Amid Leadership Tensions
The internal conflict reached boiling point as moderate forces successfully swatted away a challenge from the conservative right during crucial administrative committee elections. This strategic victory consolidates the moderates' control over the party's machinery, dealing a significant blow to right-wing powerbrokers who had sought to install their own candidates.
Despite this win for the moderate faction, questions continue to swirl around the leadership of John Pesutto. The opposition leader faces mounting pressure as the party struggles to present a united front to voters.
'A House Divided Cannot Stand'
Mr Arrowsmith didn't mince words when describing the party's precarious position. "We are not a viable organisation in our current state," he stated bluntly, emphasising that continued infighting would guarantee electoral failure.
The president revealed he has been working behind the scenes for months, acting as a "circuit breaker" between the factions. His urgent message to both sides was unequivocal: find common ground or condemn the party to irrelevance.
Grassroots Anger Boils Over
The depth of the crisis was laid bare during a fiery three-hour meeting where rank-and-file members expressed fury over the party's direction and electoral prospects. Many voiced concerns that the Liberals risk becoming permanently unelectable in Victoria unless drastic changes are made.
This internal turmoil comes at a critical juncture for the party, which has suffered devastating state and federal election losses in recent years. The conservative wing argues the party has abandoned its core values, while moderates believe modernisation is essential for electoral success.
With the party threatening to tear itself apart, the coming months will determine whether the Victorian Liberals can heal their divisions or continue their slide into political wilderness.
