The Victorian Liberal Party has taken the unusual step of extending preselection deadlines indefinitely for four key seats, after party insiders expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of candidates. The state executive voted to keep nominations open beyond the original closing date, aiming to attract stronger contenders for the November 2026 election.
Four sitting MPs—Bill Tilley (Benambra), David Hodgett (Croydon), Michael O’Brien (Malvern), and Kim Wells (Rowville)—have announced their retirements, leaving seats that have been held for a combined total of over 90 years. The Liberal Party faces heightened risks in Croydon and Rowville, where margins are just 1.2% and 3.7% respectively, making them vulnerable to Labor.
One Liberal source described some nominees as “party hacks” who felt “entitled to a seat,” while another warned that fielding mediocre candidates could be “catastrophic.” The Coalition needs to gain 16 seats to form government, leaving little room for error. In Malvern, a blue-ribbon seat never lost by the Liberals, former federal candidate Amelia Hamer is being urged to stand, thanks to her name recognition and political lineage.
Internal divisions and doubts about the party’s chances at the next election are deterring potential candidates. Some prospective contenders are choosing to “wait until 2030” rather than face another term in opposition. The cost of campaigning—including time off work and a £5,000 application fee—also weighs heavily on those considering a run.
