Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming Ousted from Top Ticket Spot in Shock Vote
In a stunning political development, Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has been dumped from the top position on the party's Western Metropolitan upper house ticket. This shock decision, made by party members on Sunday, threatens to reignite bitter factional warfare just months before the critical state election.
Preselection Vote Ends Parliamentary Career
Party members voted decisively to replace Ms Deeming with businessman and prominent Indian community leader Dinesh Gourisetty. This move strips the outspoken MP of her safest electoral position and effectively terminates her parliamentary career. Deeming did not contest any other place on the ticket, ensuring she will lose her seat at the next election.
The vote proved to be a close contest, with Gourisetty securing 37 votes to Ms Deeming's 29. This narrow margin underscores the deep divisions within the party ranks over her candidacy and future.
Controversial Rise and Internal Backlash
Moira Deeming burst onto the national political stage in 2023 after attending a 'Let Women Speak' rally. The event was later overshadowed when neo‑Nazis gatecrashed the gathering. While Deeming unequivocally condemned the extremists, she refused to disown the rally itself. This stance fuelled a fierce internal backlash that has simmered for months.
The controversy escalated dramatically when then Liberal leader John Pesutto suspended and later expelled her from the parliamentary party. This action came after Deeming threatened defamation action over claims she sympathised with extremist groups.
Legal Battle and Leadership Fallout
The dispute ended disastrously for the Liberal Party. A court subsequently ruled that Pesutto had defamed Deeming by implying she associated with Nazis. This legal defeat triggered his resignation following a failed leadership spill late last year.
As a result of the court ruling, Deeming received approximately $2.3 million in legal costs and $300,000 in damages. She subsequently returned to the Liberal party room after Pesutto's removal from the leadership.
Failed Support and Party Anger
Despite receiving high‑profile backing from conservative heavyweights, including former prime minister Tony Abbott, party members ultimately turned against her. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson publicly backed Deeming's preselection, arguing that sitting MPs deserved protection from internal challenges. However, this appeal failed to sway the rank and file membership.
Significant anger has simmered within sections of the party over Deeming's lawsuit against Pesutto. Critics have labelled the legal action a major distraction that diverted crucial attention and resources away from campaigning against the Labor government.
Conservative Faction Secures Other Positions
Meanwhile, other conservative faction MPs and some of Deeming's biggest supporters, including Bev McArthur and Renee Heath, have successfully secured preselection in their respective upper house regions. This indicates a nuanced outcome for the party's right wing, not a wholesale rejection.
Uncertain Future for Deeming
Moira Deeming is yet to publicly comment on the preselection result. Speculation is now rife regarding her next political move. Options being widely discussed include a potential independent run for parliament or even joining another political party such as One Nation. Her removal from the Liberal ticket marks a dramatic and contentious chapter in Victorian politics.
